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VNU/IMS Health Merger Looks Shaky
VNU has announced that its plan to take over IMS Health may be about to collapse. The company says it is in 'wide-ranging discussions' with IMS Health over possible alternatives to the proposed merger. One of the possible alternatives is an end to the $7 billion acquisition plan.
VNU, which already owns ACNielsen and Nielsen Media Research, had hoped to expand its research capacity with the acquisition of pharmaceutical research specialist IMS Health. However, shareholders claiming to represent 48% of VNU's shares have stated that they would not support the transaction under any circumstances.
VNU's latest announcement states: 'Although both companies continue to believe the transaction, as negotiated, is in the best interests of their respective shareholders, the companies have discussed various possible alternatives, including a revised merger agreement as well as termination of the agreement'.
The companies are online at www.imshealth.com and www.vnu.com.
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