On Thursday 23 June, the European Commission opened an in-depth investigation to assess the proposed acquisition of OMV Slovenija by MOL under the EU Merger Regulation.
The Commission is concerned that the proposed transaction may reduce competition in the retail motor fuel markets in Slovenia.
MOL and OMV Slovenija are the third and second largest fuel suppliers in Slovenia, respectively, after Petrol, the incumbent operator partly owned by the state.
By acquiring OMV Slovenija, MOL would have high market shares in the retail motor fuel markets and, following the transaction, together with Petrol, they would have a very high combined share of the market.
At this stage, the Commission is concerned that the transaction may significantly reduce competition in the market for the retail supply of motor fuels (petrol and diesel) to individuals and businesses in Slovenia. The Commission’s preliminary investigation shows that the parties are in direct competition in many areas throughout Slovenia. The transaction would therefore remove the main competitive pressure that MOL and Petrol currently face in the market. In addition, the market is very transparent, and the transaction could facilitate coordination between MOL and Petrol.
For more information: https://aeur.eu/f/29b (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)