According to Reuters, a person "familiar with the matter" said on Thursday that the Vivendi owned company's deadline is fast approaching to respond to the 194-page statement of objections from the European Commission.
The EMI deal would combine big earners such as Lady Gaga and Rihanna with the British music label's catalogues including The Beatles and Katy Perry. Pressure is on Universal to offer to sell some catalogues or propose improved licensing deals to rivals and online services to get clearance for the takeover.
Last week, EU competition commissioner Joaquin Almunia expressed concerns about the market power of the combined group, almost twice the size of its nearest rival in Europe, and its impact on the digital music market.
He will decide by Sept. 6 whether to clear or block the acquisition, which is opposed by independent rivals and competitor Warner. Universal could ask for an oral hearing to plead its case before the decision.
The label giant secured its first regulatory clearance after The New Zealand Commerce Commission approved its acquisition of EMI Music last week, becoming the first jurisdiction in the world to do so.
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