EU Said to Prepare Draft Decision on NYSE-Deutsche Boerse Merger

European officials may distribute as soon as next week a recommendation on Deutsche Boerse AG’s planned takeover of NYSE Euronext, people familiar with the discussions said.

The European Commission team examining the case indicated at a meeting on Dec. 21 that they are likely to propose prohibiting the deal, according to two people familiar with the situation, who declined to be identified as the conversations were private. The advice is non-binding.