Brussels, 16/02/2001 (Agence Europe) - The Commission has decided to start a detailed second-stage investigation into the planned merger between the German truck and bus manufacturer MAN Nutzfahrzeuge AG and another German bus manufacturer Gottlob Auwarter GmbH & Co.. The Commission's initial investigation showed that the operation would have an non-negligeable effect on the market for city buses, inter-city buses and coaches. The Community executive is more particularly concerned at the repercussions this operation may have on the German city-bus market, where MAN and Auwarter would hold a share substantially in excess of 40%, catching up their main rival EvoBus (DAIMLERCHRYSLER group). Following the operation, the number of bus manufacturers in Germany would fall from three to two, which would considerably reduce competition. The new phase of the investigation opened by the Commission will be over within four months.