17/07/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 16 July, the Commission approved the acquisition of joint control of Monte Paschi Vita S.p.A. (MPS Vita) and Monte Paschi Assicurazioni Danni S.p.A. (MPS Danni), both of Italy, by AXA S.A. of France and Banca Monte Paschi di Siena S.p.A. (BMPS) of Italy. MPS Vita handles life insurance and related financial services. MPS Danni is a non-life insurance company. The operation was examined under the simplified review procedure. (cd)