Google-DoubleClick merger opponents threaten legal action

Coalition says FTC chair has conflict of interest

A coalition opposing Google’s $3.1 billion merger with DoubleClick renewed charges of conflicts and threatened possible legal action over a decision by a regulatory chairman not to recuse herself from reviewing the merger.

In a conference call with reporters today, representatives of the Electronic Privacy Information Center and the Center for Digital Democracy, said they are considering filing a lawsuit in response to a decision last week by Deborah Platt Majoras, chair of the Federal Trade Commission. Majoras denied a request from the groups that she recuse herself from the merger review after the groups learned that her husband, John M. Majoras, is a partner who specializes in antitrust at the Jones Day law firm representing DoubleClick.

Full story: mercurynews.com