Austria clears Procter & Gamble’s Ambi Pur buy, German upwards referral request decision still pendingAuthor: Dafydd Nelson
16 Mar 10 | 17:00 GMT+1
IN BRIEF
The Austrian competition authority yesterday unconditionally cleared Procter & Gamble's purchase of Sara Lee's 'Ambi Pur' air freshener brand, turning down the opportunity to join the German regulator’s request to have the transaction reviewed by the European Commission. Notifications are understood to have been made in at least 11 EU states, with additional clearances already obtained in Italy and Cyprus.
Read more Lead MEP on gas security aims to limit intervention in supply crises, leave market to respondAuthor: Peter Koh
2 Dec 09 | 17:26 GMT+1
IN BRIEF
The MEP leading the European Parliament's debate on the proposed security of gas supply regulation wants to limit intervention by European Union governments and institutions in the event of a supply disruption, and leave it to the market to respond. The MEP's initial draft report on the bill also calls for amendments on measures concerning solidarity, bi-directional pipelines, interconnectors, the definition of protected customers and diversification of supplies.
Read more MLex Comment: UK banking policy could spell trouble for the TreasuryAuthor: Sebastian Chrispin
26 Nov 09 | 09:00 GMT+1
IN BRIEF
The UK Treasury announced that Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds Banking Group must each make a series of divestments in return for further capital injections from the government in the name of increasing competition. The government hopes this will increase competition on the banking market, but putting strict conditions on the potential purchasers of those assets may not achieve that goal.
Read more MLex Comment: EDF could sell Belgian power plant site to appease EC concerns with SPE purchaseAuthor: Dafydd Nelson
4 Nov 09 | 16:55 GMT+1
IN BRIEF
Remedies submitted by French power company EDF to the European Commission in connection with its purchase of Belgian rival SPE probably target competition concerns on the Belgian electricity generation and wholesale market. Given SPE’s status as the second largest electricity producer in Belgium, EDF is likely to have offered to sell off one of its power-plant sites.
Read more Member states could dash EC, industry hopes for single EU emissions auctionAuthor: Peter Koh
3 Nov 09 | 16:45 GMT+1
IN BRIEF
The European Commission and industry groups could lose their battle for a single European Union-wide auction platform for emission allowances as Germany, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom, which want to manage their own auctions, have enough votes to block an eventual qualified majority vote on the proposed regulation. Despite the potential veto hanging over this central issue, an outline of the commission's draft proposal shows progress on a number of other important details.
Read more MLex Comment: Competitive dynamic between Oracle, MySQL could lead to Statement of ObjectionsAuthor: Dafydd Nelson
26 Oct 09 | 13:56 GMT+1
IN BRIEF
In its review of Oracle's purchase of Sun Microsystems, the European Commission could be exploring the possibility that MySQL actually competes with Oracle's proprietary database offerings. Should such a theory be substantiated by hard evidence there is every reason to believe that the regulator could issue a Statement of Objections in the coming weeks, if not days.
Read more EC plans two-year ethanolamines duties extensionAuthor: Juliane von Reppert-Bismarck
23 Oct 09 | 09:27 GMT+1
IN BRIEF
The European Commission wants to extend duties on ethanolamines from the US for two years, a move that could tip behind-the-scenes talks in favour of an extension of footwear duties against China and Vietman.
Read more External study advises EC over 'patchwork' online regulationAuthor: Magnus Franklin
13 Oct 09 | 10:52 GMT+1
IN BRIEF
The European Commission is today discussing behind closed doors a legal opinion which describes the online single market as 'patchwork,' and offers guidance on where action is needed. On net neutrality, it suggests regulatory intervention only on an ad hoc basis, while copyright needs a 'fundamental reform.'
Read more MLex Comment: Unilever’s Sara Lee brands purchase to require EC approval, commitments not ruled outAuthor: Dafydd Nelson
28 Sep 09 | 16:17 GMT+1
IN BRIEF
Overlaps in at least deodorant and shower gel appear set to attract regulatory scrutiny once consumer products giant Unilever notifies its intended purchase of Sara Lee’s body care and European detergents businesses for merger control approval. The relevant markets are generally characterised by an existence of strong competition and powerful buyers. Nonetheless some of Unilever’s "leadership" market positions may be high enough to raise the odd eyebrow.
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