Brussels, 03/03/2004 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has cleared under the Merger Regulation the creation of a joint venture between Toshiba of Japan and South Korean company Samsung for the development, design and marketing of optical data-storage disk drives especially for computer and telecommunications. Both parent companies will transfer their activities to the joint venture and subsequently exit the market. The Commission's assessment has shown that the joint operation will not significantly modify the competitive landscape in the highly dynamic ODD markets. In all markets concerned, the joint venture will continue to face strong competitors such as the Japanese/ South-Korean Hitachi LG joint venture.