Brussels, 06/01/2003 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has published a Code of Best Practices on inquiries into merger operations. The initiative comes within the general framework of the merger control reform package adopted on 11 December 2002 by the Commission, and aims to bring in greater transparency and better quality in handling merger cases. Such best practices detail how the Commission intends to organise "State of Play" meetings, maintain close contact with merging parties during the review as well as organise the so-called "triangular" meetings to hear both the merging and third parties when desirable. Those interested may consult the text on the DG Competition website and have until end February to make their comments known.