20/04/2011 (Agence Europe) - Mergers: Costa and Almpitour/Welcome. On Tuesday 19 April, the European Commission authorised the acquisition by Italian companies Costa Crociere SpA (a cruise operator, belonging to the Carnival Group) and Alpitour SpA (a tour operator, Exor Group) of joint control of the Welcome Travel Group SpA network of travel agencies in Italy. The operation was examined under the simplified merger review procedure. (F.G./transl.rt)