Brussels, 21/12/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 18 December, the European Commission cleared the proposed acquisition of German car dealer Mahag Group by Volkswagen AG (VW), also of Germany. After examining the operation, the Commission concluded that the transaction would not significantly impede effective competition in the European Economic Area (EEA) or any substantial part of it.
VW manufactures and markets passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, related spare parts and accessories. It also owns some regionally focussed VW dealerships in Germany, for instance, in Berlin. Mahag controls car dealerships in Munich, Ulm and Berlin selling predominately VW cars and the respective spare parts. The aim of the proposed merger is the vertical integration of Mahag which already has strong contractual relations with VW. (L.C./transl.rt)