Aol Merger Nears Final Ruling

Thu., Nov. 9, 2000

From Staff

Antitrust regulators are nearing a decision on the fate of a merger between America Online and Time Warner with an eye toward ensuring the colossal new business won’t squelch consumer choice for high-speed Internet connections and other emerging services.

The Federal Trade Commission could rule before week’s end on a deal that holds the promise of reshaping the landscape of the online world. Approval by a majority of the five-member FTC panel would clear the way for the Federal Communications Commission to complete its review of the $129 billion deal, the final hurdle facing the companies.

The FTC also could decide to block the merger in court, if it determines that concessions offered by the companies are insufficient to protect competition for new Internet services.

To get approval, company officials and FTC attorneys have been engaged for weeks in intense discussions on how to implement a requirement that AOL-Time Warner open its high-speed cable lines to rival Internet companies.

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Aol Merger Nears Final Ruling

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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