17/01/2011 (Agence Europe) - Mergers. On Friday 14 January, the European Commission authorised the planned purchase of the German company Hochtief by the Spanish ACS, both of which are present in the field of construction. It took this decision after having noted that the operation, which was notified on 3 December 2010, does not bring about any competition problems, as the two companies carry out most of their activities in different countries. It is worth noting that ACS launched a takeover bid for the whole of the capital of Hochtief, of which it already owns 29.98%, in September 2010 and that the Commission's recent decision in no way prejudices the result of that takeover bid. (F.G./trans.fl)