Brussels, 21/12/2006 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission will not adopt a final decision on the proposed acquisition by the Swedish car accessory producer Thule of the Austrian snow chain producer Schneeketten, following the parties' agreement to abandon the deal. During the course of an in-depth investigation, the Commission had issued a statement of objections and concluded that the transaction would create competition issues on the Austrian, French, and Italian markets for snow chains for heavy vehicles (trucks, buses, snow removers, etc.), and on the Austrian, and French markets for snow chains for passenger cars. Several Member States were originally notified of the proposed concentration. However, Thule asked for the case to be referred to the Commission and the Member States agreed to let the case be reviewed under the EU Merger Regulation. After reviewing the agreement cancelling the proposed deal, the Commission concluded that the planned transaction was effectively abandoned, and therefore closed the investigation. (cd)