Brussels, 16/09/2014 (Agence Europe) - On 12 September, the European Commission gave the green light to the proposed acquisition of the hazelnuts trading company Oltan by Ferrero International S.A, of Luxembourg. Ferrero is a rival of Oltan through the Stelliferi group, and also one of its customers for the supply of hazelnuts. The Commission noted that the operation would give rise to the world's largest supplier of hazelnuts, which will hold a significant market position for hazelnuts grown in Turkey (around 70% of world production). Ferrero is the largest purchaser of hazelnuts worldwide. Following its investigation, the Commission concluded that the transaction would not raise any competition concerns due to the continued presence of sufficient numbers of other suppliers of hazelnuts, such as Progida, Ozgun, Balsu, Durak, Gursoy, Yavuz and other international traders. It adds that certain competitors have recently emerged or reinforced their market presence. (EL)