Brussels, 18/10/2000 (Agence Europe) - The Commission authorised the planned joint venture between Suez-Lyonnais des Eaux SA (SLDE), the British group NTL and the placement fund manager Morgan Stanley Dean Witter (MSCP). Last August, France Telecom sold its 49.9% stake in the Dutch cable operator Noos to NTL and MSCP, the remaining 50.1% being in the hands of its partner SLDE. Following this operation, Noos became the joint company between MSCP (22.9% of the capital), NTL (27%) and SLDE (which retains its 50.1% stake). A first, Noos was specialised in the provision of pay-TV service, internet access services and portal services, voice telephone services as well as in the provision of network infrastructure (cabled) in France. 1G Networks, which NTL will sell to a joint venture, is also present in the supply of pay-television services and network infrastructure in France. This overlap of products will not lead to the creation of a dominant position when taking into account the weak market share held by the parties and the existence of significant competitors in these sectors. Furthermore, the operation will not lead to a dominant position due to vertical integration: though SLDE indirectly operates, through its stakes in Paris Permiere and M6, in the provision of content for pay-TV services, however the parties do not have any significant market shares and are also competing with significant competitors in this market.