FTC Request Puts Nielsen-Arbitron Merger on Ice

The Federal Trade Commission asked for additional information from Nielsen and Arbitron regarding their proposed merger, the companies said. The request could indicate regulatory complications that will prolong the closing of the merger.

Nielsen withdrew and modified its original notification to the FTC last month hoping to forestall a so-called "second request" for information. After the companies comply with its request, the FTC will have 30 days to make a decision. It's unclear how long the companies will need to get the necessary information. Some industry executives, who spoke not for attribution, believe the combined companies could monopolize the still nascent market for cross-platform measurement that put TV, radio, digital, print, outdoor and other media on a common metric.