11/01/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 10 January, the European Commission cleared acquisition of the caprolactones business of Solvay Interox Limited of the UK by the Swedish chemicals company, Perstorp Holding AB. Perstorp is owned by the private equity firm PAI Partners SAS (PAI). The Commission was concerned about the possibility of there being a vertical link as Perstorp produces polyhydric alcohols used by Solvay Interox for the manufacture of certain caprolactone derivatives such as coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers. The Commission's inquiry, however, revealed that the quantities of polyhydric alcohols used for such applications were very limited, and that the merger would not allow the new entity either to restrict supply possibilities open to Solvay Interox' competitors or to hamper market access for Perstorp's rivals. (C.D.)