The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has launched an informal review of the proposed merger between Foxtel and Fox Sports Australia.

News Corp and Telstra announced their intention to combine Foxtel and Fox Sports into a new company in August, which if approved by the competition watchdog, will see News own a 65 per cent stake in the new company, and Telstra own 35 per cent.

The ACCC’s investigation is focused on the impact on competition for the acquisition and supply of sports audio-visual content from content suppliers, competition for the supply of sports audio-visual content to viewers, the wholesale supply of fixed-line and mobile broadband services, and the supply of telecommunications services to consumers.

The watchdog is expected to hand down its decision on the proposed merger on Thursday 7 December.