AOL presents merger concessions to Brussels

The European Commission said yesterday that it has been offered concessions by AOL and Time Warner as part of attempts by the companies to win regulatory approval for their £100bn merger.

The European Commission said yesterday that it has been offered concessions by AOL and Time Warner as part of attempts by the companies to win regulatory approval for their £100bn merger.

Analysts suggested that AOL has offered to end its joint promotion, distribution and sales agreement with Bertelsmann, Europe's largest media group.

The Commission also said that EMI, which is proposing to merge with Warner Music, has broached a number of suggestions with Brussels but has yet to make formal proposals.

Concerns centre on the new company's potential domination of the online music market. EMI is thought to have offered concessions informally before making a final offer.

"Undertakings have been made regarding the AOL/Time Warner deal," a Commission spokeswoman confirmed, while declining to give further details. Commenting on the EMI-Warner Music deal, she added: "EMI ... has not made formal proposals to us. We need proposals."

The Commission has until 18 October to rule on the EMI-Warner Music deal and until 24 October to rule on the AOL/Time Warner merger.