Mergers: EU Commission clears acquisition of joint control over Alcomotive by Beran

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control over Alcomotive NV of Belgium by Beran Central Europe (“Beran”) of Spain.

Following this transaction, Alcomotive will be jointly controlled by Beran and Alcopa Coordination Centre NV (“ACC”) of Belgium. Alcomotive is active in the import and wholesale distribution of 4 wheel motor vehicles.

Beran is jointly controlled by the Berge Group of Spain, Mitsubishi Corporation (“MC”) of Japan and Inmobiliaria Algeciras Limitada of Chile. The Berge Group is active in maritime ports, distribution of motor vehicles, logistics, renewable energy and finance.

MC is active across several industries, including industrial finance, energy, chemicals, food and environment, and the distribution of motor vehicles. Algeciras’ only activities in the European Economic Area relate to its joint ventures with Berge Auto in Finland for the distribution of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles and related spare parts, after sales and financing.

ACC is the holding company of the Alcopa Group. Alcopa invests in a broad range of products and industries, including automotive, real estate, solar screens, furniture and pharmacy.

The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, given the limited overlaps between the activities of the companies. The transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure. More information is available on the Commission’s competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.9859.

https://ec.europa.eu/competition/index_en.html

https://ec.europa.eu/competition/elojade/isef/index.cfm

Arianna Podesta – Maria Tsoni –