21/06/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 18 June, the European Commission cleared the proposed acquisition of the Sara Lee Air Care business by Procter & Gamble, both of the US. The Commission examined the effects of the acquisition within the home air freshener market, in particular as regards electrical air fresheners, where the parties would achieve relatively high combined market shares in Belgium and the UK. In addition, it investigated if the proposed transaction would eliminate a potential competitor in car fresheners or fabric fresheners. The investigation found that the combined firm will continue to face several strong, effective competitors with significant market shares. Consequently, the transaction does not give rise to competition concerns. (O.L./transl.rt)