12/12/2006 (Agence Europe) - On 11 December, the European Commission approved the proposed acquisition of the European businesses of Danka of the UK, a wholesale distributor of office automation equipment, by Ricoh of the Netherlands. The main overlap in the business areas of the two companies is wholesale distribution of photocopiers. The Commission's examination of the deal showed that the horizontal overlaps between the activities of Ricoh and Danka are limited and that, for all products concerned, they would continue to face strong, effective competition after the proposed takeover. The Commission concluded, therefore, that the transaction would not significantly impede effective competition in the European Economic Area (EEA) or any substantial part of it. (ol)