FTC Extends Deadline for Nielsen-Arbitron Feedback

Following the recent seventeen-day shutdown of the US government, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is giving the public more time to comment on the 'consent agreement' for Nielsen's acquisition of Arbitron - even though the Commission approved the $1.26 billion deal a month ago.

The FTC cleared the takeover at the end of September, and Nielsen has announced the formation of a new division called Nielsen Audio. However, the recent closure of the federal government means that the FTC is obliged to extend the comment period to November 12th. Any public comments will be reviewed within 30 days, after which the FTC will decide whether to withdraw from the proposed consent agreement, or make it final.

In order to avoid the acquisition resulting in a monopoly, the proposed consent agreement requires Nielsen to sell 'certain assets' relating to Arbitron's cross-platform audience measurement platform within three months of the agreement being finalized. Nielsen would also be required to provide the buyer with an eight-year royalty-free licence to demographic data and technology relating to Arbitron's cross-platform audience measurement business.

Web sites: www.ftc.gov and www.nielsen.com .