Thomson Corp. won Canadian and European regulatory approval Tuesday to buy news and information provider Reuters Group PLC for US$15.9 billion, but both firms must sell copies of financial databases to eliminate antitrust concerns.

The European Commission (EC), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Canadian Competition Bureau (CCB) have given approval for Thomson’s proposed acquisition of Reuters.

In order to obtain clearance, Thomson has agreed to sell a copy of the Thomson Fundamentals (Worldscope) database and Reuters has agreed to sell a copy of the Reuters Estimates, Reuters Aftermarket Research and Reuters Economics (EcoWin) databases. The sales include copies of the databases, source data and training materials, as well as certain contracts and employees connected to the databases.

Thomson and Reuters retain full ownership of the relevant databases and these undertakings do not affect Thomson’s and Reuters ongoing business or capabilities in these areas. The two companies are not required to complete the sales prior to the closing of the acquisition. All regulatory approvals needed to close the transaction have now been obtained.

Thomson and Reuters will each now seek shareholder and court approvals. The companies expect the transaction to close the week of April 13.

Stamford, Conn.-based Thomson announced its takeover bid last May.

Tom Glocer, currently CEO of Reuters and CEO designate of Thomson Reuters, said: “This is an important step toward completing the transaction and creating what we believe will be the leading provider of information and related applications to businesses and professionals around the world.”