Brussels, 31/03/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 28 March 2008, the European Commission authorised the planned acquisition of Aearo, a US producer of protective equipment, by the US company 3M, active in personal protective equipment. The Commission examined the competitive effects of the proposed merger in the area of personal protective devices, in particular hearing protection devices, where the parties have the most overlapping activities in Europe. Hearing protection devices are earplugs or earmuffs which protect the wearer from outside noise. The Commission's investigation revealed that the merged entity would face several competitors, and customers would continue to be able to source hearing protection products from a number of alternative suppliers. The Commission concluded that the transaction would not lead to any adverse effects on competition. (C.D.)