Brussels, 27/02/2002 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has authorised the acquisition of several companies belonging to the SAirlines group by Compass group Plc. It has also given the go-ahead for the Compass' purchase of Rail Gourmet and Restorama activities outside the UK. The Commission has decided to send Compass' application for acquiring Rail Gourmet's British activities to the UK's Office of Fair Trading. The operation raises competition concerns on the British on-train catering market, where Compass already has a strong presence. The Commission has pointed out that competition concerns were limited to on-train catering were Compass and Rail Gourmet are currently the two main competitors and account for 85% and 95% of the market. The Commission's review has also revealed that Compass acquisitions would have an impact on contract food services in Germany and Austria, as well as in the markets for food concession services in Belgium and the United Kingdom. This impact will be limited, however, and the Commission has given the green light for this side of the operation.