Press Release: Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into Ball’s proposed acquisition of beverage can manufacturer Rexam

On 20 July 2015 the European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess whether the proposed acquisition of Rexam (UK) by Ball Corporation is in line with the EU Merger Regulation. The Commission has concerns that the proposed transaction may reduce competition in the beverage can and aluminium bottle manufacturing industry in the European Economic Area (EEA). The Commission now has 90 working days, until 25 November 2015, to investigate in-depth the proposed acquisition and determine whether these initial concerns are founded. The opening of an in-depth inquiry does not prejudge the final result of the investigation.