Brussels, 19/03/2002 (Agence Europe) - The Belgian chemicals group Solvay has obtained a two-week extension from the Commission for the procedure aimed at examining its plan to acquire Ausimont, the Montedison subsidiary. The Commission is expected to take a decision on 2 April.
Furthermore, according to the Italian Agency Ansa, Commissioner Monti spoke of reopening the file on the presence of the French company EDF in Italenergia should the French group envisage joint control, with Fiat, of the company. The entry by EDF in the Montedison capital had last year caused a strong reaction on the part of the Italian authorities that feared a dominant presence by the powerful public group in its electricity sector. The Commission had finally agreed to allow EDF to enter Italenergia, a company created by Fiat and EDF in order to take control of Montedison, as long as EDF does not increase his shares in the company, namely 2% of voting rights (see EUROPE of 29 august, p.5).