Brussels, 16/09/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 16 September, the European Commission cleared the proposed acquisition of joint control over Enìa Energia S.p.A. of Italy by Centrex Europe Energy & Gas AG of Austria, ZMB GmbH, controlled by OAO Gazprom of Russia, and Enìa S.p.A. of Italy.
The Commission's investigation showed that the proposed transaction would create no horizontal overlaps, as neither Centrex nor Gazprom, or any companies controlled by them, are active in the supply of gas or electricity in Italy. As regards vertical relationships, the Commission noted that gas imported by Gazprom into Italy represents only a limited proportion of total Italian gas imports. Enìa also represents only a small part of Italian demand for gas. And it is therefore unlikely that the parties would have the possibility to close off supplies to competitors. The Commission therefore concluded that the proposed transaction would not impede effective competition in the European Economic Area or any substantial part of it. (O.L./transl.rh)