02/05/2011 (Agence Europe) - Mergers: Arkema-Total. On 29 April, the European Commission cleared the proposed acquisition by Arkema S.A., a French chemicals company, of the photocures (paints, adhesives, etc) and coating businesses and certain related activities directly or indirectly controlled by Total S.A. of France. The proposed transaction gives rise to a vertical link between the parties: Arkema produces glacial acrylic acid (GAA) and acrylate esters which are used as an input for the resins of the photocures and coating businesses of Total. The Commission decided, however, that, given the presence of other strong players and its limited market shares, Arkema would not be able to restrict competition on the GAA and acrylate esters markets. It therefore approved the operation, of which it was notified on 25 March 2011, which will make Arkema a global leader in the photocures market. (F.G./transl.rt)