Brussels, 21/03/2002 (Agence Europe) - The Commission has authorised IHC Holland NV and ODS BV to jointly acquire Metalix, a newly formed joint venture active in specialised processing of hot-rolled flat steel products. The joint venture will also do aluminium processing and certain value-added services. The Commission's market investigation revealed that in view of Metalix' relatively modest share of steel processing markets in the Netherlands and neighbouring areas, the operation would not have any significant competitive impact.