Press Release: Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into proposed acquisition of Kerling by INEOS

The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation under the EU Merger Regulation into the planned acquisition of Kerling ASA of Norway by the UK-based INEOS Group Limited. The Commission’s preliminary market investigation found that the proposed transaction raises serious doubts as to its compatibility with the Single Market and the European Economic Area (EEA) agreement given the strong market position that Ineos would achieve on the Suspension PVC (S PVC) market in some Member States, in particular in the UK. The Commission now has 90 working days (until 11 January 2008) to decide whether the takeover would significantly impede effective competition within the EEA or a significant part of it. A decision to open an in-depth investigation does not prejudge the final result of the procedure.