Brussels, 09/09/2014 (Agence Europe) - Following an in-depth investigation, the European Commission has cleared the proposed acquisition of the Spanish operations of the Swiss building materials group Holcim by its Mexican rival Cemex, it announced on 9 September. Both parties supply cement and other construction materials internationally. Holcim's assets include factories and quarries producing and supplying cement, aggregates, ready-mix concrete and mortar in Spain. The Commission was concerned that the proposed transaction could substantially lessen competition in the market for grey cement by removing Holcim assets as an actual competitor in eastern Spain. It was also concerned that the operation could facilitate existing coordination between grey cement producers in central Spain or make future coordination more likely. Its team was able to dissipate these concerns. In eastern Spain, the resulting entity would continue to face competition from a number of players capable of bringing sufficient competitive pressure to bear. In central Spain, the Commission concluded that it was unlikely that the merger would have the effect of making any coordination easier, more stable or more effective. It stresses that the acquisition of the Holcim assets by Cemex is connected to two other operations between these companies. Firstly, in the Czech cement, ready-mix concrete and aggregate sectors, a transaction authorised by the Czech competition authority. The other operation, which was authorised by the Commission in June, will allow Holcim to acquire a number of Cemex assets in western Germany. (EL)