add Impala

HELEN WHEELS: In the same release, Impala Executive Chair Helen Smith predicted that “an attempt to combine EMI/Warner would be blocked unless substantial remedies were put in place to counter the anti-competitive impact. Some parties argue that the regulators would be sympathetic because of the economic climate, yet this ignores three vital facts. First, the regulatory landscape has completely changed. Second, all previous music mergers have proved that concentration is not the answer to the music sector’s ailments. Third, music SMEs are already suffering not only because of the crisis but also because market access is difficult due to excessive concentration. All the concerns that we expressed in previous merger cases have been validated." (2/2a)