Martin Mills, the long-standing opponent of Universal's acquisition of EMI, has called on EC regulators to watch the major's future dealings in the digital space with great scrutiny.
Speaking after the EC cleared Universal's £1.2bn bid today, Beggars Group chairman Mills reiterated his belief that the deal with bring UMG unwarranted market power - especially when it comes to their influence over new digital services.
Universal has agreed to divest the Parlophone catalogue worldwide - but it holds onto the Beatles. Other divestments include EMI's Mute assets, David Guetta's contract, the Pink Floyd catalogue and UMG's own Co-Operative.
Mills said: "It's good to see that the Commission has seen this deal as such a threat to the market that it has demanded and received truly swingeing commitments on divestments.
"However, that should not conceal that fact that Universal's arrogance has paid off for them, that they have destroyed a significant competitor, and that even with these divestments their ability to dominate and control the market has reached even more unacceptable levels.
"Anyone trying to start a new digital service will be realising that very soon, and we will continue to look to the regulators to monitor ongoing behaviour."
Universal is now only waiting for the US senate to give the deal the green light. US regulators are expected to follow the EU's decision.
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