Microsoft and Time Warner have waived their right to a hearing in the continuing European Commission investigation into their plan to take over ContentGuard, which makes software for digital rights management, a person involved in the case said Thursday.
The move is seen as a sign of confidence that the regulator will approve the deal, said the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The Commission must conclude its investigation into the proposed deal by April 7. In most such cases, companies request a hearing and it is held a month before the deadline. The Commission then decides whether or not to prohibit the deal, and consults national competition authorities for their views on its draft decision.