Regulators Not Keen On Ticketmaster/Live Nation Deal

Trouble is mounting for the pending Ticketmaster (TKTM) acquisition of Live Nation (LYV).

As has been widely reported today, the U.K. Competition Council asserted that the proposed deal could severely reduce competition in the U.K. ticketing market, leading to higher prices and reduced consumer service.

Meanwhile, according to Bloomberg, the U.S. Justice Department has similar concerns about the deal. Citing “a person familiar with the matter,” the story asserts that the government is concerned that the combination might reduce competition for tickets to live events and large venues. The report says the Justice Department will issue an opinion on the transaction within two months.

TKTM shares today have slumped 80 cents, or 6.4%, to $11.66; LYV is down 42 cents, or 4.9%, to $8.20.