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US: Bazaarvoice merger defeated by feds

By  |  January 10, 2014

The US Department of Justice has emerged victorious over software firm Bazaarvoice and its buyout of rival PowerReviews, according to reports, an outcome likely to lead to the forced divestiture of the acquisition.

The $168 million buy, made in 2012, would significantly harm competition, the DOJ said, leading to hiked prices for the companies that use product ratings software manufactured by the companies. A nearly three-week trial was held last October when the DOJ sued to block the merger.

Reports say regulators can file an injunction to force Bazaarvoice to sell back its purchase, though remedies are considered complicated. US District Judge William H. Orrick reportedly scheduled a conference this month for the parties to discuss a possible resolution.

Full Content: Businessweek

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