FTC allows Google-Doubleclick merger

In a 4-1 vote to close its investigation, the FTC has found that the $3.1b. acquisition of online advertiser Doubleclick Inc. by internet giant Google Inc. will not substantially lessen competition in the online advertising marketplace.  The Commission also found that privacy concerns about the proposed merger are “not unique to Google and DoubleClick,” and “extend to the entire online advertising marketplace".  Public interest advocates immediately decried the decision, stating that the FTC had "side-stepped its responsibility to protect both competition and privacy".  Meanwhile, the European Commission continues its in-depth investigation of Google and Doubleclick, and the Canadian Competition Bureau has yet to issue a decision on CIPPIC's application requesting a merger review.
CDD news release 
EPIC webpage on Google-Doubleclick merger