Press Release: Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into proposed acquisition of EMI recorded music business by Universal

The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation under the EU Merger Regulation into the proposed acquisition of the recorded music business of EMI by Universal Music Group.

The Commission's initial market investigation indicated that the proposed transaction may raise competition concerns in the wholesale of physical and digital recorded music in numerous Member States as well as in the European Economic Area (EEA) as a whole, particularly in light of the merged entity's high market shares and increased market power. The opening of an in-depth inquiry does not prejudge the final result of the investigation. The Commission now has 90 working days, until 8 August 2012, to take a final decision on whether the proposed transaction would significantly impede effective competition in the EEA.