The group of six private equity firms officially launched its $9 billion bid to acquire VNU, the parent of Nielsen Media Research, ACNielsen and various trade magazines. The move comes a week after a
top VNU manager warned key executives might resign if shareholders reject the buyout offer. Shareholders have until May 5 to accept the deal, but some key shareholders, including Fidelity and Knight
Vinke, are believed to oppose the deal. -- Joe Mandese
