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Commission launches Phase II review into Universal’s acquisition of EMI recorded music business

By  |  March 26, 2012

The European Commission has launched a Phase II review of Universal’s proposed acquisition of EMI’s recorded music business.

An initial market investigation indicated that the deal would have antitrust implications for both Member States and the European Economic Area as a whole. Following the merger, Universal would have high market shares in the wholesale of physical and digital music–the merged entity would be nearly twice the size of the second-largest player in the EEA–and increased market power.

The Commission will make its final decision on the acquisition by August 8, 2012.

Full content: EC Press Release

 

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