Press Release: Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into proposed acquisition of Shell’s Harburg refinery assets by Nynas

The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation under the EU Merger Regulation into the planned acquisition by Nynas AB of Sweden of refinery assets located in Hamburg/Harburg (Germany) and currently owned by Shell Deutschland Oil GmbH.

The Commission’s initial investigation revealed possible competition concerns in the markets for naphthenic base oils, naphthenic process oils and transformer oils ('TFO') where the merged entity would have very high market shares in the European Economic Area (EEA). These oils are used for the production of industrial greases, metalworking fluids, adhesives, inks, insoluble sulphur, industrial rubber, fertilisers, defoamers and additives.

The Commission now has 90 working days, until 8 August 2013, to take a final decision on whether the merger would significantly impede effective competition in the EEA.