16/02/2005 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has granted clearance under the EU Merger Regulation to the acquisition of joint control of the Lithuanian company UAB Palink by Beleggingsmaatschappij Smitho B.V. of the Netherlands, (CVC). CVC is controlled by Citigroup Inc. UAB Palink is active in consumer goods wholesale distribution through shops such as IKI, Ikiukas and Pigiau Grybo. The operation has been valued at EUR 40 million and was examined by simplified procedure