28/01/2008 (Agence Europe) - The acquisition of computer manufacturer Packard Bell B.V. of the Netherlands by its competitor Acer of Taiwan has been notified to the European Commission. A preliminary decision on authorisation of the takeover will be delivered on 27 February. This acquisition, along with that of Gateway (both in 2007), by Acer makes the company the world's third largest manufacturer (in terms of units delivered). (C.D.)