17/06/2011 (Agence Europe) - Mergers: KBW/LGI. On 17 June, the European Commission referred assessment of the proposed acquisition of Kabel Baden-Württemberg (KBW) by Liberty Global Inc. (LGI) to the German competition authority (Bundeskartellamt). KBW is a regional cable network operator and LGI an international cable operator. The Commission's preliminary investigation revealed that the proposed transaction, notified on 19 April, might significantly affect competition on a major market in Germany, that of the provision of free-TV services to housing associations, where contracts with tenants are negotiated collectively. As the transaction would bring together the number two and three regional cable TV operators in the country - KBW and Unitymedia, held by LGI - this would have an impact at regional and national level, especially in Germany. The Commission has therefore decided to refer the matter to the Bundeskartellamt. (F.G./transl.jl)