Federal Communications Commission chairman Kevin Martin is leaving on an international trade trip to Asia in mid-June, according to Stifel Nicholaus analyst Blair Levin.
The analyst noted that while negotiations can continue without him, “there is a fear that momentum will decrease.” This could effectively push the date for a final decision on the merger between Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. and XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. out even further.
Stifel added that this could be one of the reasons why all the parties are pushing so hard right now. The firm has heard reports of “key company decision-makers” visiting to the FCC in hopes to shore up final merger conditions.
The firm sees July as the most likely timeframe, though will reevaluate when the Chairman leaves for his trip.
UPDATE: is reporting this as well. Orbitcast’s requests for confirmation from the FCC were not returned.
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