The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has approved NortonLifeLock’s anticipated £6 billion purchase of Avast.

The US cybersecurity firm agreed to buy the EU-based company in August last year.

NortonLifeLock and Avast both offer cyber safety software to consumers under a variety of different brands. Products include antivirus software, privacy software (such as VPNs) and identity protection software.

In March, the CMA launched an in-depth investigation into the merger after the regulator raised concerns about it lessening competition in the market.

But the probe found that the move does not substantially reduce competition in the UK and won’t in the future.

“Millions of people across the UK rely on cyber safety services to keep them safe online,” said Kirstin Baker, chair of the CMA inquiry group. “Phase 2 investigations allow us to explore concerns identified in our initial review in more detail, as we gather further information from the companies involved and other industry players.

“After reviewing the evidence in an in-depth review, we are now satisfied that this deal won’t worsen the options available to consumers. As such, we have concluded that the deal can go ahead.”

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