Brussels, 02/10/2007 (Agence Europe) - On 1 October, the European Commission authorised a series of acquisitions in accordance with simplified merger review procedure, which are as follows:
the acquisition of sole control of certain assets of C&A Corporation (C&A Automotive Interior Business) by WL Ross of the US via International Automotive Components North America Mexico, S de R.L. de C.V., International Automotive Components North America, International Automotive Components Group Brazil and International Automotive Components Group LLC (together IAC). WL Ross is a private equity fund which through IAC produces and supplies certain interior parts for vehicles. C&A Automotive Interior Businesses manufacture and supply cockpit modules, instrument panels, interior trim and flooring and acoustic systems;
the acquisition of joint control of a newly established American joint venture between INEOS of the UK and NOVA of Canada, and also the extension of their European joint venture (which brings together the European activities of INEOS and NOVA in the polystyrene sector) through the transfer of some of NOVA's assets (new assets of the joint European company). INEOS is a global manufacturer of petrochemicals, specialty chemicals and oil products. NOVA is a chemical company active in olefins/polyolefins and styrenics. The American joint venture combines INEOS' and NOVA's North American styrene and polystyrene operations with NOVA's thermoplastic resins business. The new assets of the European joint venture are NOVA's European styrene and engineering thermoplastic resins business;
the joint venture between Aegon Spanje Holding, BV (Aegon) of the Netherlands, belonging to the Aegon Group, and Caja Cantabria of Spain. Aegon sells life insurance and pensions, savings and investment products. Caja Cantabria is active in banking and insurance distribution. The joint venture will sell life insurance and pension products in Spain.
the acquisition of sole control of the bathroom and kitchen business (B&K Business) of American Standard Companies Inc of the US by certain funds controlled by Bain Capital Investors, LLC (Bain Capital) of the US. Bain Capital is a private equity investment firm. B&K Business manufactures bathroom and kitchen products;
the acquisition of sole control of Teksid Aluminum S.r.l of Italy and Teksid Aluminum Getti Speciali S.r.l. (Getti Speciali) of Italy by Fiat S.p.A., also of Italy. Fiat manufactures and sells cars, commercial vehicles, agricultural machinery, construction equipment, car parts and metallurgical products. Teksid and Getti Speciali produce cast aluminium components for the car industry and other residual applications.