The OFT is concerned that the deal could concentrate the supply of computer games magazines in the UK in Future's hands. Future is already the biggest computer games publisher in the UK and Highbury is the next largest after the Bath-based firm.
The Competition Commission is expected to report its findings by September 28. It could recommend that Future sell some computer games titles if it decides that its position is anti-competitive.
Future's computer games portfolio includes Edge, PC Gamer, PC Zone, the Official PlayStation2 Magazine, PlayStation World and Xbox Gamer, while Highbury owns games magazines including Powerstation, Play and Xpert.
When the deal become public in February, Future chief executive Greg Ingham said it was a geniune opportunity to generate important synergies for the combined group.
In December, Future acquired What Laptop? from Crimson Publishing, as well as Beach Publishing, which produces Junior, Junior Pregnancy & Baby and Wedding Day. In January it acquired A&S Publishing Company, owner of titles including Classic Ford, Mini Magazine and Retro Cars, for £5.95m.
Highbury also finalised the sale of its local publications business to Archant for £6.1m in March.
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