The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is to investigate Sky's move to purchase Virgin Media's portfolio of TV channels, it has been reported.

Concerns have been raised that the deal between the broadband providers may create competition issues in the UK market.

The OFT will also consider whether the agreement, which would see Sky assume control of the Living, Livingit, Challenge, Challenge Jackpot, Bravo, Bravo 2 and Virgin 1 channels, should be viewed as a merger.

Industry experts are to be consulted during the investigation, as the regulator looks to assess the potential impacts on the UK TV subscription market.

Any concerns are likely to be passed on to the Competition Commission.

Subscribers to Virgin Media's TV and broadband bundles were recently boosted by the addition of Sky Sports HD1 and HD2 to the broadband provider's portfolio.

The high definition channels are set to become available to Virgin Media customers on August 2nd, in time for the new Premier League football season.

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