Kroes start diepgaand onderzoek naar Oostenrijks-Zweedse fusie die zou leiden tot monopolie in markt voor sneeuwkettingen (en)

The European Commission has opened a detailed investigation under the EU Merger Regulation into the planned acquisition by the Swedish company Thule of the Austrian company Schneeketten/Pewag. The Commission's initial market investigation indicates that the proposed acquisition would raise serious competition concerns in the sector of snow chains. The Commission now has 90 working days - until 22.12.2006 - to take a final decision on whether the concentration would significantly impede effective competition within the European Economic Area (EEA) or a substantial part of it. The decision to open an in-depth inquiry does not prejudge the final result of the investigation.

"This takeover involves two major and well-established producers of snow chains", commented Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes i. "The Commission must ensure that this transaction will not be detrimental to consumers not only in terms of prices but also of innovation, given that a major driver of competition in the markets for snow chains is usability."

Thule is a Swedish company, owned by the British Candover investment fund, active in the manufacturing and sale of load carrying systems for passenger cars, trailers for passenger cars, traction equipment for passenger cars and for heavy vehicles and accessories for recreational vehicles, such as mobile homes and caravans. Schneeketten is active in the manufacturing and sale of traction equipment for passenger cars and for heavy vehicles.

As both companies are active Europe-wide in the production and sale of snow chains for passenger cars and heavy vehicles the merger would bring together two of the largest European snow chain producers, thereby leading to important overlaps Europe-wide and in certain Alpine countries. Given that the parties are considered key players on the market and close competitors, the Commission will examine whether the planned transaction will impede effective competition on any of the affected markets.