UMG-EMI U.S. NOT OK WITH AAI? While reports indicate the EU is about to OK UMG-EMI in Europe (see item below), the American Antitrust Institute has lobbied Congress to stop the merger in the U.S., reiterating the view it would give UMG too much power in the music industry. “We urge the Federal Trade Commission to enjoin the transaction and preserve EMI as a fourth major music label in the already concentrated recorded music industry,” wrote the group. The deal is widely expected to be approved in the U.S. Wrote an UMG spokesperson: “Our acquisition of EMI will create even more opportunities for new and established artists, expand the marketplace with more music and support new digital services. We are working closely with the FTC and remain confident of regulatory approval.” (9/4p)