Rogers-Shaw merger mediation session fails to yield settlement

Rogers Communications and Canada's competition watchdog have failed to resolve their differences over the telecom giant's $26-billion proposed takeover of Shaw Communications Inc. following a mediation period and weeks of talks.

In a joint press release Thursday evening, Rogers, Shaw and Quebecor Inc. say they are "disappointed" the mediation session did not yield a negotiated settlement.

They say they remain committed to completing the transaction.

The fight will now move to public hearings before the Competition Tribunal, scheduled to begin on Nov. 7. and which could drag on until mid-December.