The Italian competition regulator is launching an investigation into Sky Italia SRL's proposed acquisition of Mediaset Premium SpA's digital terrestrial pay TV platform R2 SRL, Digital TV Europe reported March 11.

The probe by AGCM will focus on whether the deal could boost the Sky PLC unit's dominant positions in the Italian pay TV and wholesale pay TV distribution markets.

In November 2018, Mediaset Premium's parent entity, broadcaster Mediaset SpA, exercised a put option to sell R2 to Sky Italia, subject to regulatory approval. The option is part of a wider content and distribution deal that allowed Sky Italia subscribers to access Mediaset Premium's Cinema and Series channels.

Comcast Corp. owns Sky.