1.   Anti-trust authorities must still approve the transaction, Otto Versand said.

2.   At separate shareholder meetings in New York Thursday, holders of each company approved the transaction.

3.   Board members from both companies have approved the transaction.

4.   Both boards have approved the transaction, the companies said.

5.   Both companies shareholders have approved the transaction on its current terms.

6.   Both boards approved the transaction.

7.   Both companies shareholders have already approved the transaction on its current terms.

8.   Both the British and French government must approve the transaction.

9.   Both the U.S. Justice Department and the Federal Communications Commission have approved the transaction.