Press release: The US FTC will not oppose the proposed merger of (...)
April 20, 2004.
Press release: The US FTC will not oppose the proposed merger of NBC and VUE
Today the United States Federal Trade Commission notified Vivendi Universal that the agency will not oppose the proposed merger of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment. The companies intend to complete the merger within the next few weeks.
Important Disclaimer
This press release (and oral statements made regarding the subjects of this release, including on the conference call announced herein) contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, (i) statements about the benefits of the merger of NBC and VUE, including financial and operating results and estimates, synergy and margin benefits and any accretion to reported earnings that may be realized from the merger; GE’s and Vivendi Universal’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements contained in this presentation that are not historical facts; and (ii) other statements identified by words such as “expects,” anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates” or words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements are based upon management’s current beliefs or expectations and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies and third-party approvals, many of which are beyond our control. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements: (1) satisfaction of the conditions specified in the transaction agreement, including without limitation the receipt of required governmental and other third-party approvals of the proposed transaction; (2) the ability to successfully combine the businesses of NBC and VUE; (3) the realization of revenue and cost synergy benefits from the proposed transaction; (4) operating costs and business disruption following the merger, including adverse effects on relationships with employees; (5) changes in the stock market and interest rate environment that affect revenues; and (6) competition. Neither GE nor Vivendi Universal undertakes any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date such forward-looking statement is made.