06/02/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 6 February 2008, the European Commission cleared the joint takeover bid of Serendipity Investment by the French companies Bouyges and Artemis. The former is active in several sectors: construction; telecommunication, energy and rail transport (Alstrom). Artemis, controlled by the Pinault Financial holding (100% owned by the François Pinault family), is present on several markets via its luxury and sports goods and press distribution subsidiaries. Serendipity is currently controlled by Bouygues and provides consulting services on mergers and acquisitions and investment issues to medium sized companies. Following the examination by simplified procedure, the Commission decided that the proposed operation was unlikely to significantly distort completion in the common market. (C.D)