Brussels - The European Commission has approved the $2.19 billion acquisition of BMG Music Publishing by Vivendi's Universal Music Group, Reuters reported.

While the Commission initially voiced doubts about the merger, it said an investigation "found that these concerns would be removed by the remedies package proposed by the parties concerning the divestiture of a number of publishing catalogues."

Universal agreed to divest its Zomba UK, 19 Music, 19 Songs, BBC music publishing, Rondor UK and other catalogues -- which include works by Justin Timberlake and R. Kelly -- to win approval of the deal, which will make the combined company the world's largest music publisher.

Related Links:
http://tinyurl.com/yqr5ta (Reuters)

http://www.umusic.com

http://www.bmgmusicsearch.com