Brussels, 19/07/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday, the Commission granted clearance to three mergers, after each was examined under the simplified merger review procedure. British private equity investments company Nikko Principal Investments LTD and German investor Eastmerchant GmbH will acquire joint control of Sachsenfonds Holding GmbH of Germany, a company which develops and manages closed-end funds. Clearance was also granted to the acquisition of sole control of Valentino Fashion Group S.p.A. of Italy by a company established for the purpose of the transaction, Red & Black Lux S.A.R.L. of Luxembourg, which is controlled by investor Permira IV fund of Guernsey, the Channel Islands, itself controlled by Permira Holdings Limited, also of Guernsey. Thirdly, insurance company Mapfre S.A. of Spain and Societá Cattolica de Assicurazioni soc.coop. of Italy were given the green light for their joint venture, Mapfre Cattolica Auto S.p.A., which will provide motor vehicle liability insurance services in Italy. (cd)