The European Commission has approved Bertelsmann's sale of its BMG Music Publishing business to Universal under the EC Merger Regulation.
Despite serious concerns regarding an adverse affect on competition for music publishing rights for online applications, the EC accepted a package of remedies involving the divestiture of a number of publishing catalogues.
Slaughter and May partner John Boyce assisted by associates Silvia Zarpellon and Richard Pepper led the advice to Bertelsmann. Charles Randell handled the corporate aspects of the deal. Universal was advised by SJ Berwin.