Press Release: Mergers: Commission approves proposed acquisition of International Power by GDF Suez, subject to conditions

The European Commission has cleared under the Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of International Power plc of England and Wales by GDF Suez S.A. of France, both active in the energy sector. The regulatory clearance is conditional on the divestment of International Power's shareholding in T-Power, the owner of a Belgian power plant due to start production in 2011, and the transfer to third parties of the operation and maintenance agreement of the T-Power plant. The commitments offered by the parties addressed the concerns identified by the Commission that the deal could have enabled GDF Suez to restrict competition and raise prices in the Belgian wholesale market. These commitments will ensure that competition is maintained and that consumers get the best possible result in terms of price and choice.