07/03/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 7 March, the European Commission cleared the proposed acquisition of joint control over Emap plc, the UK media services company, by Apax Partners Worldwide LLP and Guardian Media Group Plc of the UK. Apex is an adviser to private equity funds. Guardian Media is a publisher of newspapers and magazines and a radio broadcaster. The Commission's examination of the proposed transaction showed that the horizontal and vertical overlaps would not be a threat to free competition. In a separate transaction, the Commission also approved the acquisition of sole control of Marmon Holdings Inc. by Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Both US companies are conglomerate holding companies. This transaction was examined under the simplified mergers procedure. (O.L.)