24/06/2011 (Agence Europe) - Mergers: Mahle/Behr. On Friday 24 June, the European Commission authorised the taking of joint control of Behr by Mahle. Both companies are German producers of components for motor vehicles and automotives. The plan, which was notified on 17 May, provides for Mahle to increase its current minority stake in Behr so as to take control jointly with the current owner, the Behr family. The activities of both parties overlap only in the sector of oil-water heat exchangers for on-highway applications (produced by Behr), which are used in the production of oil filters (produced by Mahle). In any case, the investigation showed that the cumulative market shares of the parties on this market were small and that clients would still be able to purchase oil-water heat exchangers from several other suppliers on the market. (F.G./transl.fl)