Press Release: Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into proposed merger between UPM-Kymmene and Myllykoski

The European Commission in March 2011 opened an in-depth investigation under the EU Merger Regulation into the planned acquisition of sole control by UPM-Kymmene Corporation (UPM) of Myllykoski Corporation (Myllykoski, both of Finland, and Rhein Papier GmbH (Rhein Papier), of Germany, all active in the paper industry.

The Commission’s initial market investigation indicated that the proposed merger could raise serious competition concerns, in particular because the merged entity's behaviour may not be sufficiently constrained by competitors on the market for magazine paper.

The decision to open an in-depth inquiry does not prejudge the final result of the investigation. The Commission has until 19 July 2011 to take a final decision on whether the merger would significantly impede effective competition in the European Economic Area (EEA) or any substantial part of it.