Investigation Launches For Live Nation/Ticketmaster Merger

The Justice Department has begun an antitrust investigation into the proposed Ticketmaster/Live Nation merger. Many lawmakers, fans and artists believe that combining the two huge companies would result in unfair competition, giving one powerhouse too much control over the live entertainment industry.

The federal agency is moving forward with the inquiry after only one day, even though it had up to 30 days to decide whether or not to investigate. Wired.com points out that a Justice Department inquiry—which could take about six months—is often more strict than one by the Federal Trade Commission.