Press Release: Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into Ålö’s proposed takeover of MX

The European Commission opened an in-depth investigation under the EU Merger Regulation into the planned acquisition of the French company Mailleux ("MX") by Ålö of Sweden. Both companies produce equipment for agricultural tractors. The Commission’s initial market investigation found that the proposed acquisition raises serious doubts as to its compatibility with the Single Market as regards front loaders for tractors, where the parties' activities overlap significantly. Front loaders are devices which can be attached to the front end of tractors to handle/lift various kinds of materials. The decision to open an in-depth inquiry does not prejudge the final result of the investigation. The Commission now has 90 working days, until 15th October 2008, 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.