Press Release: Mergers: Commission approves proposed takeover of M-Real Zanders’ Reflex paper mill by Arjowiggins, subject to conditions

The European Commission approved under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed takeover of the Reflex paper production mill in Germany, that currently belongs to the Finnish paper manufacturer M-Real, by the French paper manufacturer Arjowiggins, subject to conditions. In December 2007, the Commission opened an in-depth investigation into the proposed takeover because of competition concerns, particularly on the market for carbonless paper. In the light of the Commission's concerns, Arjowiggins offered to divest M-Real's carbonless paper business. The Commission concluded that, with these commitments, the proposed transaction would not significantly impede effective competition in the European Economic Area (EEA) or a significant part of it.