01/07/2011 (Agence Europe) - Mergers: LVMH/Bulgari. On 30 June, the Commission approved the proposed acquisition of Italian company Bulgari (luxury goods, luxury hotels) by the Moët Hennessy-Louis Vuitton Group (“LVMH”) of France, controlled by Groupe Arnault. Bulgari and LVMH both produce and sell high-end watches, jewellery, perfumes and cosmetics, and also fashion and leather goods, including accessories. LVMH owns and operates several selective distribution retail chains. The Commission's investigation showed that the combined activities of LVMH and Bulgari would not give rise to high market shares under any plausible market definition and that that the transaction, which was notified on 24 May 2011, would not significantly impede effective competition in the European Economic Area (EEA) or any substantial part of it. (F.G./transl.rt)