14/05/2012 (Agence Europe) - ABB/Thomas & Betts merger. On Friday 11 May, the European Commission gave the go-ahead to the planned acquisition of the electrical components and connectors manufacturer Thomas & Betts Corporation of the US by ABB Ltd of Switzerland. ABB is active in the power and automation technology sector and Thomas & Betts is an electrical components and connectors manufacturer. The deal was notified on 30 March. The Commission investigated how the deal would impact on various markets for low, medium and high voltage electrical products. It found that the two companies are active at the same points along the value chain in the supply of hardwired surge protective devices and lightning protection systems. Moreover medium voltage vacuum interrupters supplied by both companies are used in the production of medium voltage circuit breakers, where ABB is active. Nevertheless, the Commission found that the merged entity's market position will be limited and that it will continue to face a number of significant competitors. (FG/transl.fl)