Brussels, 05/12/2003 (Agence Europe) - On Friday the Commission authorised, due to the regulation on mergers, the planned acquisition of Agfa's nondestructive testing sector by the American company General Electrics (GE). During its investigation, the Commission initially estimated that the operation would pose serious problems concerning competition (dominant position) in the markets for portable ultrasound machines for nondestructive testing. Panametrics. In order to eliminate the Commission's fears as to the viability of Panametrics as an effective competitor in Europe, GE proposed a buyer before the completion of the transaction, in this case the Canadian company R/D Tech. The Commission accepted as R/D Tech is an experienced operator in the European market for nondestructive testing. The equipment for nondestructive testing consists of machines to test all forms of materials or products without deforming or damaging them, in order to guarantee their safety and quality.