Brussels, 28/09/2001 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has authorised the proposed acquisition of German metal distributor Klöckner & Co AG by UK-based commodities trader Balli Group plc. The only areas where the two companies are both involved are tubes and aluminium. The Commission assessed the trade of tubes and aluminium on a global basis and the distribution of these products on a national basis and decided that the transaction does not give rise to any competition concerns.