The owner of Classic FM and the Heart network has filed an application with the Competition Appeal Tribunal for it to review the Competition Commission's (CC) final decision on the transaction.
Outlining its decision last month, the CC said the merger could lead to higher prices for regional advertisers buying airtime and sponsorship outside of national contract deals in seven out of nine markets.
In a statement, Global said its appeal challenges on a number of grounds the decision of the CC to compel the divestment of several radio stations but declined to comment further.
In parallel to the case proceeding before the tribunal, Global will continue to "engage proactively on remedies discussions" with the CC and has appointed the merchant bank Lepe Partners as its strategic adviser on potential divestments.
Media Week revealed that Global Radio had bought GMG Radio, now known as Real & Smooth Ltd, in July last year. Although the deal was cleared on the grounds of plurality, it was referred to the CC on grounds of competition.
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