EU gives OK to NBC-VUE deal.(This Just In)(the European Union approves the $14 billion merger of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment)

Multichannel News, December, 2003

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM -- The $14 billion merger of General Electric Co.'s NBC television unit and Vivendi Universal Entertainment cleared its first regulatory hurdle last Friday, winning approval from the European Union. Because the merger has little impact on the European market, the EU used a simplified procedure that clears mergers and acquisitions after one month if no third parties object.

The deal, which would combine the NBC broadcast network, CNBC, Bravo, MSNBC and Telemundo with USA Network, Sci Fi Channel, Trio, Universal movie studio and theme parks, is still under regulatory review in the U.S. The deal is expected to close some time in the first half of 2004.