Press Release: Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into Metso’s take-over of Aker Kvaerner’s pulp machine business

The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation under the EU Merger Regulation into the planned acquisition by the Finland-based company Metso Corporation Oy (“Metso”) of the pulp and power business of the Norwegian group Aker Kvaerner ASA (“Aker Kvaerner”). The Commission’s initial market investigation has found that the proposed acquisition may create competition problems in the markets for pulp mill equipment. The decision to open an in-depth inquiry does not prejudge the final result of the investigation. The Commission now has 90 working days – until 20 December 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.