Brussels, 06/02/2007 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has granted clearance under the EU Merger Regulation to the acquisition of joint control of Eddie Bauer Holdings, Inc. (Eddie Bauer) of the US by Sun Capital Securities Group LLC, an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners Inc. (Sun Capital) of the US and Golden Gate Capital Private Equity Inc.(Golden Gate) also of the US. Sun Capital is a private equity investment company, active in a variety of sectors, including clothing, accessories and footwear via its portfolio companies Dim Branded Apparel (DBA) and Lee Cooper. Golden Gate is a private equity investment fund. Eddie Bauer is active in the retail of sportswear, principally in the US, with European sales concentrated mainly in Germany. The operation was examined under the simplified merger review procedure. (cd)