The European Commission conditionally approved on Tuesday 17 September the acquisition by E.ON of the distribution and consumer solutions business of Innogy, which belongs to RWE, and some of its power generation assets.
Both companies are active in the energy sector and based in Germany. While they are active in several European markets, their activities overlap, particularly in Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and the United Kingdom.
The companies have decided to exchange assets, including Innogy's distribution activities and consumer solutions and some of its power generation assets.
As such, the European Commission opened an in-depth investigation on 7 March (see EUROPE 12209/32). It also authorised another part of the asset swap on 26 February (see EUROPE 12202/17).
The institution's investigation highlighted concerns regarding the German electricity supply market used for heating purposes, the German market for the supply of electric vehicle charging stations on motorways, the Czech market for the retail supply of gas and electricity and the Hungarian market for the retail supply of electricity to unregulated businesses.
To address these concerns, E.ON proposed to divest several assets and stop the operation of electric charging stations on German motorways. Subject to full compliance with these commitments, the Commission considered the operation to be compatible with EU competition law rules and approved it. (Original version in French by Lucas Tripoteau)