18/10/2017 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 17 October, the European Commission opened an in-depth investigation into the planned joint venture between Celanese and Blackstone, both of which are active in acetate flakes and acetate tow, fibrous materials used in the production of cigarette filters. The institution has concerns that the merger of the two companies would reduce competition on the acetate tow segment, which is already highly concentrated. The merged entity would become the global number one on this market and the Commission does not consider that the two remaining competitors will be capable of bringing sufficient competitive pressure to bear on it. It also considers that the merger would make tacit coordination between the various suppliers of acetate tow more likely. The Commission has until 5 March 2018 to return its decision. (LT)