Comcast, NBC say deal would not hurt competition

[January 29, 2010]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- Comcast Corp. and NBC Universal say the cable company's plan to take control of NBC does not raise significant antitrust concerns because the businesses operate in separate and highly competitive markets.

In a 136-page document filed with the Federal Communications Commission Thursday, Comcast and NBC say the proposed transaction is a "vertical combination" that would not reduce competition in either the programming or distribution business.

Government reviews of the Comcast-NBC deal are expected to take up to a year. The companies filed paperwork with the Justice Department on Monday.

[Associated Press]

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