30/05/2008 (Agence Europe) -The acquisition of the Belgian gas distributor Distrigaz by Eni SpA (Italy) has been confirmed. Eni has bought the major stake in Distrigaz from the French energy company Suez, the CEO of the latter confirmed before the press on Thursday 29 May. Gerard Mestrallet explained that the 57% of Distrigaz currently held by Suez would change hands in exchange for 2.74 billion EUR. This disinvestment on the part of Suez is a condition laid down by the Commission for its proposed merger with its fellow French Gaz de France (EUROPE 9306). A spokesperson for the Competition Commissioner confirmed that the Commission would verify that the resale of Distrigaz would have no negative effect on competition, but declined to comment any further "for the time being". (C.D.)