Nov 8 (Reuters) - Nzme Ltd (NZM) NZCC's preliminary view is...

Nov 8 (Reuters) - Nzme Ltd (NZM)

• NZCC's preliminary view is that, based on information it has received to date, it should decline proposed merger between Nzme & Fairfax New Zealand
• "NZCC has then indicated that its preliminary view is that it will decline merger due to unquantified concerns relating to plurality of media"
• NZCC has concluded, based on its standard test, that public benefits arising from merger outweigh quantified detriments
• Final nzcc determination is currently expected on or before 15 march 2017
• "Parties' view is that nzcc has failed to properly take into account diversity of opinions that will continue post-transaction in an increasingly converged digital world"
• Refers to New Zealand Commerce Commission process for approval of proposed merger between Nzme Limited and New Zealand unit of Fairfax Media Ltd
• NZCC published a draft determination setting out its preliminary view as to whether it is likely to grant authorisation to proposed merger