Brussels, 16/09/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday, 16 September, the European Commission cleared the proposed acquisition of EPCOS, a German producer of electronic components, by the Japanese company TDK, which is active in the development, production and sale of electronic materials and components as well as recording media. The Commission's examination of the proposed transaction showed that the horizontal overlaps between the activities of TDK and EPCOS are limited, and that the combined firm would in any event continue to face several strong, effective competitors with significant market shares for each of these components or possible sub-segments. The Commission's investigation also showed that switching suppliers is a realistic alternative and that customers' multi-sourcing policy for passive components would not be affected as they would continue to have access to a number of alternative suppliers. The Commission therefore concluded that the transaction would not significantly impede effective competition in the European Economic Area (EEA) or any substantial part of it. (O.L./transl.rh)