07/12/2006 (Agence Europe) - On 5 December, the European Commission authorised the proposed acquisition of the German company BST Safety Textiles GmbH (BST) by the American private equity firm WLR Recovery Fund III, L.P. (WLR). BST is a supplier of flat fabrics for use in the manufacture of automotive airbag cushions, while a company controlled by WLR, Safety Components International Inc. (SCI), produces airbag cushions. The Commission concluded that the operation would not significantly impede competition in the European Economic Area (EEA) or any substantial part of it. (cd)