Brussels, 23/08/2006 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has opened a detailed investigation into the planned acquisition by the Swedish company Thule of the Austrian company Schneeketten/Pewag, which raises serious competition concerns in the sector of snow chains. Thule is owned by the British Candover investment fund, active in the manufacturing and sale of load carrying systems for passenger cars, trailers for passenger cars, traction equipment for passenger cars and for heavy vehicles and accessories for recreational vehicles, such as mobile homes and caravans. Schneeketten is active in the manufacturing and sale of traction equipment for passenger cars and for heavy vehicles. As both companies are two of Europe's main players in the production and sale of snow chains, the merger could lead to important overlaps Europe-wide and in certain Alpine countries. The Commission now has 90 working days - until 22.12.2006 - to take a final decision.