Press Release: Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into Danish energy merger

The European Commission on 18 October 2005 opened an in-depth inquiry under the EU Merger Regulation into the proposed acquisition of sole control by DONG A/S (“DONG”), the Danish state-owned gas incumbent, over Elsam and Energi E2 ('E2'), electricity generation incumbents in Denmark, and of Københavns Energi Holding A/S ('KE') and Frederiksberg Elnet A/S ('FE'), Danish electricity suppliers. The Commission was concerned that the transaction could impede competition in Danish gas and electricity markets, due to the companies’ strengthened position on these markets.