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The next competition news summary will be published on 22 February.
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Conferences and speeches
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Level-playing field and innovation in technology markets
Conference on Antitrust in Technology, Palo Alto (US), Alexander Italianer
28 January
"Head to head competition is a catalyst for innovation in this sector.
Preserving competition is thus all the more important in high-tech markets because they are most conducive to innovation when they are open and accessible to all. (…)
We do not think that "high-tech" markets - however their boundaries may be defined - should be generally immune from antitrust intervention."
Read more >
State aid
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Commission approves UK Green Deal for energy-efficiency measures
5 February 2013
The Commission has found that public support of £600 million (approximately €700 million) to be granted by the UK in the context of its "Green Deal" policy is in line with EU state aid rules.
The "Green Deal" is the central UK Government policy for improving the energy efficiency of buildings.
Different State bodies and the UK Green Investment Bank (GIB) will provide support in various forms.
These measures will support energy efficiency, in line with the EU's energy and climate change objectives, while keeping distortions of competition to an acceptable minimum.
Read more >
Mergers
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New address of Commission's Merger Registry
The Merger Registry is moving to a new address. From 5 March 2013 all merger notifications have to be delivered at:
Place Madou / Madouplein 1
1210 Saint-Josse-ten-Noode / Sint-Joost-ten-Node
Belgique / België
Details on merger correspondence >
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Commission clears acquisition of Valeo's Comfort Access Mechanisms business by Japanese auto parts manufacturer U-Shin
6 February 2013
The Commission has cleared the proposed acquisition of the French company Valeo SA's Comfort Access Mechanisms business ("CAM") by U-Shin Ltd. of Japan.
CAM manufactures and distributes products that facilitate vehicle access and prevent unauthorised vehicle use, such as handles or locks.
The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition did not raise competition concerns because it would not significantly alter the market structure.
Read more >
Court
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Case C-68/12 Slovenska Sporitelna
7 February 2013
The Court of Justice ruled on questions referred by the Slovenian High Court, regarding the interpretation of Artilce 101 TFEU.
The Court clarified that an agreement intended to exclude a competitor is contrary to the competition rules even if the competitor is operating unlawfully on the market.
Read Court's press release >
Read full judgment >
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