20/02/2007 (Agence Europe) - On 20 February, the European Commission granted clearance under the EU Merger Regulation to the acquisition of sole control of Azelis S.A. of Luxembourg by 3i Group plc of the UK. 3iGroup is a private equity and venture capital company. Azelis is active in specialty chemicals distribution. The operation was examined under the simplified merger review procedure. (cd)