The merger application, aimed at increasing RH-Bet's stake in NÖP from 20% to up to 28.6% through the conversion of profit-sharing rights, was initially withdrawn and refiled. Prior to the submission, a pre-notification process allowed companies to consult the competition authority on complex or high-market-share cases.

The competition authority conducted an in-depth analysis and market survey to address competition concerns, particularly focusing on the advertising market. The survey involved stakeholders like NÖP, major customers, competitors, and examined potential impacts on advertising budgets and market dynamics.

Concerns were raised regarding the advertising business dominated by Kronen Zeitung and Kurier through Mediaprint, leading to conditions being imposed to address potential anti-competitive pricing strategies. Additionally, exceeding the 25% ownership threshold raised worries about reduced media diversity, prompting safeguards to maintain editorial independence and plurality.

The investigation primarily centered on reader and advertising markets in Lower Austria and Burgenland, considering the impact of digitalization on traditional media companies. While the merger's spatial scope was clear, questions arose about market delineation due to evolving media consumption habits and cross-media marketing activities.

The merger involves Raiffeisen-Holding Niederösterreich-Wien Beteiligungs GmbH, which manages the 20% stake in NÖP, and Niederösterreichisches Pressehaus Druck- und Verlagsgesellschaft m.b.H., operating in regional print, online, broadcasting, and publishing markets in Lower Austria and Burgenland.