29/11/2018 (Agence Europe) – The European Commission opened an in-depth investigation on Wednesday 28 November to determine whether or not the proposed acquisition of Embraco, Whirlpool 's refrigeration compressor division, is in compliance with EU merger law. Following the notification of the deal on 8 October, the Commission is indeed concerned that it may distort competition in this sector, as Nidec and Embraco are among the leading suppliers of variable speed compressors used in household applications in the European Economic Area (EEA). They are also the two most powerful suppliers, both in the EEA and worldwide, in the supply of fixed and variable speed compressors used in light commercial applications. More specifically, the Commission considers that the elimination of competition between the two existing entities could lead to higher prices and less choice in the sector. (LT)