Brussels, 11/03/2002 (Agence Europe) - Last Friday, the Commission made no objection to the proposed acquisition by Dutch telecommunications operator KPN of sole control over Germany's third largest mobile phone operator, E-Plus. E-Plus was previously jointly held by KPN and the American company, Bell South, 77.49% being held by the former and 22.51% by the latter. The operation notified to the Commission provides for acquisition by KPN of its partner's stake. The Commission considers that the move will not entail any competition problem on Germany or Dutch mobile phone markets or on any related market. In fact, E-Plus only operates in Germany, and KPN does not provide its own mobile phone services to end-users in this country, unless via E-Plus. On the Dutch roaming services market, where KPN is by far the largest operator with a 50% share, the Commission closely examined whether transition from joint control to sole control of E-Plus by KPN would strengthen the latter's dominant market position. It came to the conclusion, however, that the impact of the acquisition would remain negligible as E-Plus subscribers account for only a very small share of the Dutch market.