Press Release: Mergers: Commission approves Ball’s acquisition of Rexam, subject to conditions

Following an in-depth review, on 15 January 2016 the European Commission approved under the EU Merger Regulation the acquisition of beverage can manufacturer Rexam by rival Ball, subject to the divestment of 12 plants in the EEA. Ten of those plants produce can bodies, the two others produce can ends.

The Commission's investigation showed that the transaction, as notified, would have reduced competition in the already concentrated markets for beverage cans and risked increasing prices for customers. The Commission's approval was therefore conditional upon Ball divesting ten plants making can bodies and two plants making can ends to a suitable purchaser, so as to address the Commission's concerns.

ESO: Background Information: Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into Ball's proposed acquisition of beverage can manufacturer Rexam http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-mergers-commission-opens-in-depth-investigation-into-balls-proposed-acquisition-of-beverage-can-manufacturer-rexam/

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