Brussels, 11/08/2004 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has approved the acquisition of the Dutch Nedcon Groep N.V. by the Austrian steel producer Voestalpine AG. Nedcon and Voestalpine (the latter through its Krems Finaltechnik division) are both active in the manufacture and installation of steel static storage systems for industrial use (pallet racks and shelving for warehouses and distribution centres). They also produce components for these systems. The analysis carried out by the Commission in the present case indicated that on an EU basis, the combined market shares of the new entity will not exceed 15%. On the basis of national markets, Nedcon has historically strong positions in certain Member States (the Netherlands and Belgium), where Voestalpine, however, is not present. Therefore, considering the position of the parties in these markets and the number of competitors present, the Commission concluded that the operation will not result in the creation or strengthening of any dominant position, and has decided to clear the transaction.