Brussels, 10/12/2004 (Agence Europe) - The Commission has authorised the proposed acquisition of Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) by ThyssenKrupp Werften (TKW) for the sum of EUR 220 million. Given the strong position of the buyers (Defence Ministries) and of the alternatives offered by other shipbuilders (French DCN and Italian Fincantieri), the operation will not entail reduced competition on the German or world market for conventional submarines, the Commission explained. The latter also noted that the Greek market for the assembly and repair of surface vessels, on which the HDW subsidiary is present, will not be foreclosed by the pooling of their design and technology capacities, given the existence of other suppliers. Furthermore, examination revealed no anti-competitive effect on the world market for civilian vessels.