24/06/2008 (Agence Europe) - On 17 June, the German car manufacturer, Porsche SE, notified the Commission of its intention to acquire a majority stake in its fellow German Volkswagen. This plan differs little from the one notified last year, which did not end up coming about. A spokesperson from Porsche stressed that the plans have been confirmed since a meeting of the board of administration of the company in March, and is not dependent on a modification to the "Volkswagengesetz". This law still limits the decision-making powers of investors in respect of the Land of Lower Saxony, a 20% shareholder in Volkswagen. The Commission sent a letter of formal notice to the German authorities regarding this matter on 7 June (EUROPE 9677). A Porsche spokesperson said that the Commission had asked the company to confirm its intention of carrying out the planned acquisition. (C.D./trans.fl)