Brussels, 01/08/2003 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has approved the acquisition of VDBO, a division of Unilever Bestfoods active in the seed oil sector and its by-products, by ADM. ADM's principal businesses are the processing of oil seed, maize and wheat and the resale of agricultural commodities. The transaction broadens ADM's activities on the seed oil and bakery fat markets. The Commission examined the impact of the acquisition on the markets for bulk refined seed oil, packed refined seed oils, and bakery fats. The Commission concluded that the operation will not lead to any competition concerns and has therefore decided not to oppose it. The fact that the parties held relatively high market shares for certain type of seed oils, namely sunflower seed oil and, to a lesser extent, rapeseed oil, didn't affect this conclusion since the Commission investigation showed that a significant level of import, and potential competition stemming from possibility to expand competitor's capacity would in any event act as a sufficient constraint.