EC Launches Phase II of UMG-EMI Probe

GIVE THEM JUST A LITTLE MORE TIME: The European Commission announced that the review of UMG’s proposed acquisition of EMI’s recorded music division will move to the more detailed Phase II. The expected announcement will see the EC extend their time frame of review for another 90 days past today’s deadline. It should be noted that Phase II is a routine part of the process and since the beginning of 2008, the EC has approved 25 of the last 27 mergers which moved to a Phase II. The EC release says the pairing "may raise competition concerns." Said UMG: “We recognize that the Commission needs time to fully review this transaction. We will continue to co-operate fully with them and look forward to a successful resolution of the process.” (3/23p)