29/04/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 29 April, the European Commission decided to approve the proposed merger by which the Belgian company Electrabel (controlled by the French Suez group) will take over the French Compagnie Nationale du Rhône SA (“CNR”) through a share buyout. Following the investigation, the Commission reached the conclusion that the operation would not significantly impede fair competition in the European Economic Area (EEA) or a substantial part of it. The CNR uses the Rhône as part of a franchise granted by the French state. In this capacity, it is both an electricity provider and producer. CNR is also proposing the provision of waterways engineering in France and in another 20 or so countries around the world. (L.C.)