Press Release: Mergers: Commission approves proposed acquisition of Bertelsmann’s 50% share in Sony BMG by Sony

The European Commission cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of the 50% share held by Bertelsmann AG of Germany in Sony BMG by Sony Corporation of America. Sony BMG is the recorded music company jointly-owned by Sony and Bertelsmann. After the transaction Sony will become the sole owner of Sony BMG which will be renamed Sony Music Entertainment Inc. After examining the operation, the Commission concluded that the transaction would not significantly impede effective competition in the European Economic Area (EEA) or any substantial part of it.