Google (NSDQ: GOOG) (or at least “advisors close to” it) is prepared that European Commission approval for its proposed $3.1 billion DoubleClick acquisition will take several months. The Times today devotes plenty of attention to the deal, for which Google last week officially sought permission from the EC. “Advisors close to Google … believe that the DoubleClick case will rest on whether online advertising is judged to be a distinct market or part of a broader landscape that includes print, television and radio. Google argues that the deal is ‘positive for users and advertisers and fosters competition’.”
While some are concerned about privacy implications of Google and DoubleClick sharing user data, Europe here will be most concerned with whether advertisers have enough choice in the marketplace. The US’ Federal Communications Commission nis also examining the deal. The Times quoted an anonymous lawyer (the same advisor, perchance?):