Brussels, 05/01/2011 (Agence Europe) - On 4 January, the European Commission authorised an energy sector transaction of which it was notified by two US global companies. General Electric Company (GE), a diversified manufacturing, technology and services company, was authorised to acquire Dresser Holdings, an energy infrastructure, oil and gas products and services provider (control valves, natural gas solutions, pressure relief and safety valves, measurement systems, compression and power systems, and air and gas handling). The Commission investigation showed that the horizontal overlaps between the activities of GE and Dresser were limited and that, for the products concerned, in particular generator sets for power generation with gas engines, the combined firm will continue to face several strong, effective competitors with significant market shares. The Commission also examined the merged entity's enlarged product range in the oil and gas industry, and concluded that there would be no risk of any of the markets concerned being closed off, as there are alternative and competing sources of supply. (F.G./transl.rt)