Universal Music's £1.2bn buyout of EMI Music is due to be approved by EC regulators tomorrow, according to sources.
One exec close to the situation told Music Week today they expected "heavy" divestments to be announced. Meanwhile the Wall Street Journal speculated this morning that UMG will have to sell off 60% of EMI's European business, citing "people familiar with the situation".
However, considering Universal has up to this point seemed keen to divest from its own company pool as well as EMI's in order to bring down its 'market power' to an acceptable level, it would be a surprise to see only EMI assets released. It is also unclear how the WSJ's 60% figure has been calculated - or whether it refers to business bulk or some form of revenue calculation.
The EC has refused to comment on when its adivsory group pertaining to the deal were due to cast their votes. The body has until September 27 to make a public announcement on the decision.
Companies such as Mute, Domino, PIAS, Warner, Sony and BMG Rights Management are believed to be interested in bidding for divestments from the deal.
Universal's final proposed package of European divestments were revealed in a leaked internal memo from EMI boss Roger Faxon in July.
They included UMG subsidiaries such as Co-Op, Sanctuary and UMG Greece, as well as EMI Classics and The Parlophone label in the UK (excluding The Beatles).
Other proposed divestments included EMI’s share of the Now! brand and compilation business in Europe would also be sold. However Universal would keep its share and participation in the Now compilation venture.
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