Meanwhile, and yes, have to stop this journalistic obsession with M&As soon, Mecom edged one step closer to acquiring Wegener yesterday, when the Dutch Financial Authorities granted the British newspaper group an exemption from the requirement to submit a formal bid within six weeks of announcing ït. The new extended deadline, 17 August, is expected to allow time for the UK listings authority to approve the prospect.

Update 17/08/2007: the deadline has been postponed to 28 August to allow more time for the UK Listings Authority to consider the prospect.