Cost savings, staff retention packages discussed at hearing on Rogers-Shaw deal

Retention packages at Shaw Communications will cost up to $50 million if the company's $26-billion proposed merger with Rogers Communications crosses the finish line.

Counsel for the Competition Bureau brought up the figure during cross-examination of accountant and witness Andy Harington at Tuesday's Competition Tribunal hearing.

Harington's testimony was focused on cost savings of the proposed deal.

While the dollar value details tied to projected efficiencies stemming from the merger were not disclosed to the public, it is a key topic in the hearing as demonstrating lower costs for the combined company could be a factor in the deal's approval.