04/12/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 4 December, the European Commission confirmed that it had cleared the proposed acquisition of the US-based telecommunications equipment manufacturer Andrew Corporation by the US-based coaxial cable manufacturer CommScope. The Commission examined possible overlaps for two types of cable. The strengthening of the market position of 75Ù coaxial cables (used in telecommunication infrastructure, particularly by cable TV operators) would be minimal. For 50? cables (used in mobile phone antennas), however, the combined share of the merged company would be above 50%. The Commission concluded, however, that there would be a wide choice of 50Ù coaxial cable suppliers remaining on the market to ensure free competition. The acquisition is still being assessed by the US authorities. (C.D.)