Brussels, 31/07/2003 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has approved a proposed merger of nine distribution centres dealing with the wholesale distribution of original VW and Audi spare parts and accessories in Germany. This merger does not raise any competition concerns. Through the notified operation, Volkswagen AG will acquire sole control of seven of in total nine regional distribution centres trading with original VW and Audi spare parts and accessories in Germany on the wholesale level. Together with the two distribution centres which are already under sole control of Volkswagen, all nine distribution centres will be merged into a single distribution company for original spare parts and accessories. The Commission found that the merger will not lead to important changes since VW already holds shares of more than 25% and strategic veto rights in all of the distribution centres. It notes that on the wholesale level, there exist a great number of independent wholesalers that are either controlled or franchised by the producers of spare parts or that belong to independent groups. These wholesalers serve as distribution channels for the independent producers and are able to compete with the newly created entity.