Axel Springer Appeals ProSieben Ruling

MUNICH/FRANKFURT, January
9: Axel Springer has appealed a December court ruling that upheld a decision by
regulators to block plans by the publishing giant to acquire broadcaster
ProSiebenSat.1.

German media and antitrust
regulators had rejected the combination due to fears concerning control over
public opinion and advertising markets. "In our view, that decision is not
justified," said a Springer spokeswoman.

The Berlin-based publisher
pulled out of its planned 2.5 billion euros purchase of ProSiebenSat.1 in early
2006 because of the regulatory concerns. The broadcasting group was
subsequently acquired by KKR and Permira.

—By Kristin
Brzoznowski