Brussels, 21/12/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 20 December, the European Commission approved the joint takeover by Groupe Bertrand Restauration and AB Inbev France of the company, Bars&Co, which currently manages, as part of Inbev France, the theme bar franchise networks of the Anheuser- Busch Inbev group in France under the trade names “Au Bureau”, “Belgian Beer Café”, “Brussel's Café”, “Café Leffe” and “Irish Corner”, on French territory. Groupe Bertrand Restauration is controlled by Groupe Bertrand and Groupe LVMH, and by AB Inbev France, controlled by Anheuser-Bush Inbev. Bertrand Restauration is specialised in the catering sector (sandwich shops, cafeterias, fast food restaurants). Groupe Bertrand, aside from Bertrand Restauration, is active in the bakery sector and distributes beverages to the hospitality industry. LVMH is a leading French group specialising in the luxury goods industry (wines, spirits, fashion, leather goods, perfumes, jewellery). Groupe Anheuser-Busch Inbev produces and distributes beers and non-alcoholic beverages. Takeover of Bars&Co will be carried out via BCDF, a newly created joint venture. The transaction was examined according to simplified review procedure. (F.G./transl.jl)