From AP via globeandmail.com:

The World Association of Newspapers says it opposes a pending deal on advertising between Yahoo Inc. and Google Inc. The Paris-based group wants European and U.S. regulators to block the deal on antitrust grounds.

WAN says the agreement would reduce the cost of paid search advertising and lower revenues for newspaper and other websites, which receive payment from the online giants.

WAN says it fears the deal would give Google “unwarranted” market power in parts of the online ad business. Yahoo expects the deal to generate $800-million in annual revenue.

Yahoo and Google say the deal only affects North America, but WAN alleged Monday that European newspapers would be affected.

The U.S. Justice Department is investigating the deal.