WorldCom, MCI Expect Deal to Succeed

Several companies confirmed that the Justice Department subpoenaed information about their Internet services for its review of WorldCom’s $41.8-billion acquisition of MCI Communications. But MCI and WorldCom said they do not expect the department’s antitrust review to delay the transaction, scheduled to be completed by midyear. Sprint, GTE, IBM and PSINet said they have been subpoenaed. MCI spokesman Frank Walter disputed the notion that the Justice Department’s request represented a widening of its investigation. “We think that is a point being stoked by our competitors, primarily Sprint and GTE--large Internet players who have a vested interest in closing the merger down,” Walter said. Justice Department spokesman Michael Gordon said the agency had no comment on the review. MCI shares fell $1.31 to close at $46, and WorldCom shares fell 63 cents to close at $37.88. Both trade on Nasdaq.