18/12/2007 (Agence Europe) - On 17 December, the European Commission cleared the proposed acquisition of Valeo CSB, the automotive wiring harness business of Valeo of France by Leoni of Germany. After examining the operation, the Commission concluded that the transaction would not significantly impede effective competition in the European Economic Area (EEA) or any substantial part of it. The combined market share of the parties in the EDS/EEDS market after the merger would still be moderate. Furthermore Leoni's position on the upstream automotive cable markets would not lead to adverse competition effects on the EDS/EEDS market because competitors can switch to a number of important alternative suppliers or to in-house production. (O.L.)