EC objects to MS - Time Warner ContentGuard takeover • The Register

EC objects to MS - Time Warner ContentGuard takeover

We don't like it...

By John Oates • Get more from this author

Posted in Financial News, 10th November 2004 11:39 GMT

Free whitepaper – Vulnerability management buyer's checklist

The European Commission is objecting to Microsoft and Time Warner's attempted takeover of digital rights company ContentGuard.

The EC expressed its concerns when the deal was announced in August. At the time it said: "It appears to the Commission that the transaction might possibly create or strengthen a dominant position by Microsoft in the market for Digital Right Management (DRM) solutions."

The Commission has now sent "statements of objection" to the three companies. This does not rule out the deal going ahead, but it suggests the two firms will have to convince the Commission that the takeover won't damage competition. The Commission will seek assurances that competing companies are given fair access to ContentGuard technology, according to the Financial Times.

The Commission is due to rule on the takeover in early January. ®