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AOL - Time Warner merger faces opposition

By Felicity Ussher

Published: Tuesday 05 September 2000

The proposed merger between AOL and Time Warner is likely to face opposition by US and European regulators over the coming weeks.

Widespread reports suggest the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will introduce limitations on the joint company, before giving AOL the go-ahead to make its $129bn purchase.

Concerns have been raised over Time Warner's control of high-speed cable lines in certain US cities. It may be forced to open those lines to competitors, in order to guarantee competitive rates for internet access.

The European Union has voiced similar concerns, according to reports in the Wall Street Journal and on Tuesday, the Washington Post reported that the FTC may ask AOL to sell off its $1.5bn stake in satellite firm Hughes Electronics before approving the deal.