IB on the French advantage with the EU

HOLDING THE MAGINOT LINE: In terms of the odds on the combination of UMG and EMI getting the green light from the European Union, I.B. Bad points out that the French and the Germans, who are the two biggest players in the EU, are said to have a much easier time getting things past regulators. Further, many believe the seriously depressed European economy will cause regulators to think twice about not approving mergers that are pro-business. All that would seem to give Vivendi a leg up in the coming approval process. (11/16a)