• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, March 8, 2013

The Federal Trade Commission has asked both Nielsen and Arbitron for further information as it continues to review their proposed merger. The requests came Friday, meaning that an approval will not come for at least 30 days after both companies comply with the requests, assuming the FTC does not shorten the time frame. 

Both Nielsen and Arbitron said in government filings they intend to respond swiftly to what’s known as a “second request.”

Regarding inquiries the government has, Nielsen CEO David Calhoun said last month: “So far, no surprises -- nothing around those questions that gives us any cause for concern.”

In a statement Friday, Nielsen said it “looks forward to announcing the acquisition of Arbitron as soon as possible.”  

Nielsen announced late last year its intention to acquire Arbitron at $48 a share. The company specializing in radio measurement is trading at around $47.