09/01/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 9 January, the European Commission approved the proposed acquisition of chemical company DSM Special Products (DSP) of the Netherlands by Arsenal Capital Partners (Arsenal). Arsenal is active in the EU through the plant of a subsidiary in Estonia. Both parties produce benzoic acid, a raw material used in the production of a variety of goods, including as an antimicrobial preservative in food and drinks. As a result of the concerns noted by the Commission in its investigation which opened in August 2008, Arsenal made the commitment to divest the whole of its liquid and solid benzoic acid production, as well as sodium benzoate production in the European Economic Area (EEA). The Commission said on Friday that these measures calmed its fears of an obstacle to effective competition. (C.D./transl.rt)