EC in investigating in-depth on Apple/Shazam deal

European regulators still haven't greenlighted Apple to complete its proposed acquisition of music-identification firm Shazam.

Indeed, the European Commission has opened an “in-depth investigation” into whether the deal would harm competition in the music-streaming market. The decision follows an initial investigation triggered by requests from Austria, France, Iceland, Italy, Norway, Spain and Sweden to assess the deal.

The EC explained:

At this stage, the Commission is concerned that, following the takeover of Shazam, Apple would obtain access to commercially sensitive data about customers of its competitors for the provision of music streaming services in the EEA. Access to such data could allow Apple to directly target its competitors' customers and encourage them to switch to Apple Music. As a result, competing music streaming services could be put at a competitive disadvantage.

The investigation will also look at whether Apple Music’s rivals would be harmed “if Apple, after the transaction, were to discontinue referrals from the Shazam app to them”. The EC has set a deadline of 4 September to reach a final decision on the proposed acquisition.