Brussels voices concerns on GdF/Suez merger

The proposed merger of Gaz de France and Suez, the energy groups, would undermine competition in electricity and gas markets in France and Belgium, according to the preliminary findings of market regulators. The European Commission confirmed over the weekend of 19-20 August 2006 that it had sent a confidential statement of objections to the two French groups, detailing its concerns. Brussels said it had told the groups that their tie-up would harm healthy competition in at least four markets, focusing on the areas where the two have overlapping businesses:

European Commission: Press Release: IP/06/1109: Merger: The European Commission adopted a « Statement of Objections » regarding the merger project between Suez and Gaz de France http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/1109&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

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