Press Release: Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into proposed take-over of automotive starter battery business of the FIAMM group by VB Autobatterie

The European Commission has opened a detailed investigation under the EU Merger Regulation into the planned acquisition by VB Autobatterie GmbH of Germany of the automotive starter battery business of the Italian FIAMM group. The Commission’s initial market investigation has found that the proposed acquisition would raise serious competition concerns in the sector of automotive starter batteries. The Commission now has 90 working days (until 23 April 2007) to take a final decision on whether the concentration would significantly impede effective competition within the European Economic Area (EEA) or a substantial part of it. The decision to open an in-depth inquiry does not prejudge the final result of the investigation.