20/01/2014 (Agence Europe) - Mergers: Clariant-Tasnee/CMBSA. On 20 January, the European Commission endorsed the acquisition of joint control over Clariant Masterbatches Limited (CMBSA) of Saudi Arabia, by Clariant AG (Clariant) of Switzerland and National Industrialisation Company (Tasnee) of Saudi Arabia. Clariant is active globally in the production and distribution of organic specialty chemicals, including masterbatches. Tasnee is active globally in the production and sale of petrochemicals, chemicals, metals, diversified plastics and various related services. CMBSA will be active in the production of masterbatches only outside of the European Economic Area (EEA). The Commission concluded that the deal, notified on 12 December, would not raise competition concerns, in particular because the overlaps between the parties' activities in the EEA are minor. The transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure. (FG/transl.fl)