According to the FT, Brussels formally outlined its antitrust concerns last week over the merger of German group Linde and Praxair of the US, which would create the world’s largest supplier of industrial gases.
The move by Europe’s competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager comes as antitrust enforcers battle to maintain competition despite increasing concentration across the continent’s industries after a four-year global merger boom.
Ms Vestager sent a confidential statement of objectives that detailed where officials are concerned the combined group, one of Europe’s biggest tie-ups, would harm competition in Europe, said two people familiar with the case.
The three primary markets of concern are: the bulk distribution of atmospheric gases which require special engineering capabilities to supply industrial customers such as steelmakers; the production of specialised gases; and the supply of helium as the parties and their two large rivals have secured the commercially viable sources.
Full Content: Financial Times
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