Brussels, 07/01/2004 (Agence Europe) - As expected, the European Commission has given its agreement to the sale of assets held by the Editis publishing company (formerly known as Vivendi Universal Publishing VUP) by the French group Lagardère, subject to some strict conditions. The transaction would have posed some serious competition problems on many French language book markets and led to the creation of a company that is widely dominant in this sector, with a turnover seven times higher than that of its closest rival. The new entity could also have controlled access to "primary materials" (authors recognised for enabling certain publishers to keep afloat), sales outlets and which cannot absorb or at least put forward a limited amount of published books each year. It would have also occupied a predominant place in the book industry (diffusion, distribution and pocket book format publishing) and led to the creation of a two-speed industry: some publishers being marginalised and dependent, and others forming an integrated industrial group throughout the publishing sector capable of overwhelming authors (once their success is assured) and monopolising a substantial part of retail space. Many players in the French speaking publishing industry have notified the Commission about their worries concerning a substantial reduction in publishing opportunities resulting from this deal. These parties have also been supported by bookshop owners, who also expressed their fears about lower discounts that they currently obtain and which could threaten the very existence of some sales outlets. Consequently, Lagardère has informed the Commission that it intends to hold onto around 40% of Editis turnover (Larousse, Dalloz, Dunod and all their editorial funds an activities), as well as University funds from Nathan University, Armand Colin and Sedes, university reviews, Spanish Anaya group and their editorial funds, activities and Ivry distribution centre. The Commission has examined these proposals and has indicated that preserved assets will not lead to a dominant position. However, it still has to approve of the identify of those buying the assets to ensure that competition remains viable.