BRUSSELS, Sept 4 (Reuters) - EU antitrust regulators

have temporarily halted an investigation into Universal Music

Group unit Virgin Music Group's $775-million bid for

Downtown Music while awaiting requested information, the

European Commission said on Thursday.

The EU competition enforcer has been investigating the deal

on concerns that it may hamper competition and remove an

important competitor. Independent labels have criticised the

acquisition and even called for it to be blocked.

The Commission said it had stopped the clock on Sept. 2.

"The 'clock' in merger investigations can be suspended if

the parties fail to provide, in a timely fashion, an important

piece of information that the Commission has requested from them

(for its competition assessment) within a prescribed deadline,"

a Commission spokesperson said.

The previous deadline for an EU decision in the case was

Dec. 10. A new deadline will be set once the investigation

resumes.