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Image header Agence Europe
Europe Daily Bulletin No. 8623
Contents Publication in full By article 18 / 23
GENERAL NEWS / (eu) eu/competition

Decision imminent on Hollywood studios inquiry

Brussels, 14/01/2004 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission is putting the final touches to its conclusions on its inquiry into contracts between Hollywood film studios and pay-per-view television in Europe, which contain anti-competitive clauses. Amelia Torres, spokesperson to Commissioner Monti, confirmed on Tuesday that the investigation was nearly over, and that the decision would be published in the near future, but did not specify whether the next stage would be a statement of objections, confirming the existence of practices counter to European rules, as advanced by the Wall Street Journal, quoting a source close to the dossier. Most Hollywood studios, such as Walt Disney Co and Warner Bros., are said to be involved. The inquiry was opened a year ago and consists of two parts. The first relates to the possible existence of long-term exclusivity agreements concluded between the studios and a European paying television channel (Canal+, apparently), and the second to a clause contained within contracts concluded between Hollywood studios and several pay-per-view channels in Europe.

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