EC State Aid Cases

Exclusion of AI Competitors from WhatsApp

The European Commission has formally initiated antitrust proceedings against Meta Platforms, Inc. under Article 102 TFEU and Article 54 EEA. The investigation examines whether Meta excluded AI competitors from its WhatsApp messaging service, focusing on economic activity classified under NACE Rev. 2.1 code K.62.9. Proceedings were initiated on 4 December 2025, with a subsequent decision on 15 April 2026.

Czechia Biomethane Support Scheme 2026-2030 Approved

The European Commission has approved Czechia's biomethane support scheme (SA.119368) under the Clean Industrial Deal Framework (CISAF). The measure provides 15-year direct price support to biomethane producers via a two-way contract for difference mechanism, administered by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Energy Regulatory Office, and OTE a.s. The scheme aims to accelerate deployment of approximately 250-300 small and medium-sized biomethane stations to meet Czechia's target of 500 million Nm3 biomethane output by 2030.

BCI/Brookfield/NBIM/Mustang AIV JV Renewable Energy Merger

The European Commission unconditionally cleared the formation of a joint venture between BCI, Brookfield, NBIM, and Mustang AIV JV under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation 139/2004. The decision was issued on 20 April 2026, following notification on 24 March 2026. The joint venture will engage in renewable electricity production (NACE Rev. 2.1 D.35.12) and electricity storage (NACE Rev. 2.1 D.35.16).

SIRIUS / Brookfield / Paradise JV Merger — Phase 1 Clearance

The European Commission unconditionally cleared the proposed joint venture between SIRIUS, BROOKFIELD, and PARADISE JV under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation 139/2004. The decision was adopted on 20 April 2026 following a Phase 1 review under the super-simplified procedure, finding that the concentration does not raise doubts as to its compatibility with the common market. The parties operate in hotels and similar accommodation and rental of own or leased real estate.

KOHLBERG / MONTAGU / TELEFLEX OEM BUSINESS Merger Decision

The European Commission issued a decision under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation 139/2004 clearing the proposed acquisition of the Teleflex OEM Business by Kohlberg and Montagu. The decision, adopted on 20 April 2026, found that the concentration does not raise competition concerns and qualifies for the simplified merger procedure. The transaction was notified on 23 March 2026 with a provisional deadline of 30 April 2026.

Non-Opposition to Orange Masorange Merger, Case M.12247

The European Commission cleared the Orange/Masorange merger (Case M.12247) on 10 April 2026, declaring the concentration compatible with the internal market under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The decision indicates the merger raised no competition concerns warranting further investigation or remedies.

EFMS GIC Acquirers Kelda Group Merger Non-Opposition

The European Commission cleared the proposed acquisition of Kelda Group by EFMS and GIC Acquirers (Case M.12378). The Commission decided on 13 April 2026 not to oppose the notified concentration, declaring it compatible with the internal market under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (EU Merger Regulation). The full decision will be published after business secrets are removed.

Foreign Subsidies Case FS.100292, Orange / Masorange Concentration, NACE K.61.1/K.61.10

The European Commission has registered foreign subsidies case FS.100292 concerning Orange/Masorange under Regulation 2022/2560. The case involves a concentration in wired, wireless, and satellite telecommunication activities (NACE Rev. 2.1 codes K.61.1 and K.61.10). The notification was filed on 7 April 2026 with a provisional decision deadline of 13 May 2026. No decision has been issued as the case remains pending.

IG4 Group / Petrobras / Braskem Concentration - Foreign Subsidies Review FS.100310

The European Commission completed its review under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (Regulation 2022/2560) for the IG4 Group/Petrobras/Braskem concentration. The case involves economic activities in organic chemical manufacturing (NACE C.20.14) and plastics in primary forms (NACE C.20.16). The provisional deadline and suspension period expired on 20 April 2026, indicating the transaction cleared review without intervention.

Macquarie Group / La Caisse / Maple Merger Case M.12368 - Prior Notification

The European Commission received notification on 20 March 2026 of a proposed concentration where Macquarie Group (Australia) and La Caisse (Canada) will acquire joint control of Maple (infrastructure/road concessions in India). The notification was filed under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The Commission invites interested third parties to submit observations on the proposed concentration.

8 Merger Cases, Land Transportation Sector (NACE H.52.21)

The European Commission competition cases portal lists 8 merger cases in the land transportation sector (NACE Rev. 2.1 code H.52.21). Cases include MACQUARIE GROUP/LA CAISSE/MAPLE (M.12368), I SQUARED/RAMUDDEN (M.12318), CIMIC GROUP/SOJITZ/UGL RAIL SERVICES (M.12204), and BESTINVER/TAGES/IP/IPLANET HOLDING (M.12197). All displayed cases proceeded under the super-simplified procedure and received clearance under Article 6(1)(b) of the EU Merger Regulation (Council Regulation 139/2004).

GIM Acquires TCR, Cleared Under EU Merger Regulation

The European Commission cleared Global Infrastructure Management's acquisition of sole control of TCR Group under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. GIM (US), controlled by BlackRock, acquires TCR (Belgium) from 3i Group plc. TCR operates in full-service leasing of ground support equipment to airports, airlines, and ground handlers globally, plus repair, maintenance, and fleet management services. The Commission determined the notified operation falls within the Merger Regulation's scope and qualifies for simplified treatment.

BioMarin / Amicus Merger Approved Under EU Regulation

The European Commission approved BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.'s acquisition of sole control over Amicus Therapeutics Inc. under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The Commission determined the transaction qualifies for simplified treatment and declared it compatible with the internal market and the EEA Agreement. BioMarin and Amicus are both US-based global biotechnology companies specialising in therapies for rare genetic diseases.

Austrian Raiffeisen Entities' Joint Acquisition of Business Center Muthgasse, Case M.12317

The European Commission publishes Section 4 details from the simplified Merger Form CO for Case M.12317. Austrian entities Raiffeisen-Holding Niederösterreich-Wien (RHO NÖ-W) and Raiffeisenlandesbank Oberösterreich (RLB OÖ) intend to jointly acquire the Business Center Muthgasse office building in Vienna from Deka Immobilien Investment GmbH of Frankfurt. The acquisition will be structured as an asset deal via a joint venture (50/50 split) between Raiffeisen Immo and RealBestand, granting RHO NÖ-W and RLB OÖ joint control over the target under Article 3(1)(b) of the EU Merger Regulation.

Liberty Global / Telefonica / Infravia Merger - EU Non-Opposition

The European Commission issued a non-opposition decision (Case M.12367) clearing the notified concentration involving Liberty Global, Telefonica, Infravia, Netomnia, and BRSK Assets. The merger has been approved without conditions, allowing the transaction to proceed in the European Union market.

SFPIM Acquires Sole Control Over Lineas Group NV

The European Commission reviewed case M.12326 concerning SFPIM's acquisition of sole control over Lineas Group NV, a Belgian rail freight transport operator. SFPIM, a Belgian State-owned investment company acting under delegated assignment, acquired the company through share subscription under Article 3(1)(b) of the EU Merger Regulation. Lineas provides traction services across Europe and was previously controlled by Argos Wityu, a French private equity firm.

Clarios / Ecobat Germany / Ecobat Austria Merger Approved

The European Commission approved the Clarios/Ecobat Germany/Ecobat Austria merger under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation 139/2004. The Phase 1 investigation cleared the transaction without conditions. Companies operate in battery manufacturing and materials recovery sectors.

Clarios / Ecobat Germany / Ecobat Austria Merger Prior Notification (Case M.12145)

The European Commission received a prior notification of a concentration (Case M.12145) concerning Clarios, Ecobat Germany, and Ecobat Austria. The transaction falls under the EU Merger Regulation and was published in the Official Journal. Interested third parties may submit observations on the proposed concentration within the prescribed period.

Clarios Germany Acquires Ecobat Germany and Austria (M.12145)

The European Commission has published Form CO Section 1.2 details for proposed concentration M.12145, whereby Clarios Germany Holding GmbH (controlled by Brookfield Corporation) would acquire sole control over ECOBAT Resources Germany GmbH and ECOBAT Resources Austria GmbH from Eco-Bat B.V. Clarios is active in automotive lead-acid battery manufacturing and recycling. The target companies produce secondary lead, lead metal alloys, and polypropylene by-products from lead smelting. The Commission has not prejudged its assessment of the planned operation.

EFMS Blackstone Urbaser Merger Cleared Under EU Merger Regulation

The European Commission approved the acquisition of joint control over Urbaser S.A.U. by Blackstone Inc. and EQT Fund Management S.à r.l. The Commission determined the notified concentration falls within the scope of EU Merger Regulation and declared it compatible with the internal market and the EEA Agreement. The decision was adopted under the simplified treatment procedure with no conditions imposed.

Non-opposition to Liberty Global/Telefonica/Substantial Merger (Case M.12366)

The European Commission issued a non-opposition decision clearing the notified concentration involving Liberty Global, Telefonica, and Substantial under Case M.12366. The merger is permitted to proceed without conditions. The decision was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 13 April 2026.

CAPVEST/TSG Merger Declared Compatible with Internal Market

The European Commission approved the proposed acquisition of TSG Solutions Group SAS by CapVest Partners LLP under EU Merger Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The Commission determined the concentration falls within the scope of simplified merger treatment and declared it compatible with the internal market and the EEA Agreement. The decision was adopted pursuant to Article 6(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation.

IG4 Group / Petrobras / Braskem Chemicals Merger

The European Commission cleared the IG4 Group / Petrobras / Braskem merger under Article 6(1)(b) of the EU Merger Regulation, finding the transaction does not raise serious doubts regarding compatibility with the common market. The simplified procedure was applied given the straightforward nature of the proposed chemicals sector concentration. The decision was issued on April 7, 2026, following notification on March 11, 2026.

IG4 Group/Petrobras/Braskem Joint Control Acquisition

The European Commission received notification of IG4 Group's acquisition of joint control over Braskem S.A. alongside existing shareholder Petrobras. The transaction involves IG4 Capital Partners, acting through Shine Equity LP, acquiring shares currently held by Novonor S.A. in the Brazilian petrochemical company Braskem. The case is designated M.12316 under the EU Merger Regulation.

EPH/TTE/EFG Concentration - Foreign Subsidies Review Under FSR

The European Commission issued a decision in case FS.100299 regarding EPH/TTE/EFG under Regulation 2022/2560 on foreign subsidies. The provisional deadline and suspension period under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation expired on 01.04.2026. The case concerned a concentration in the electricity and gas trading and distribution sector.

EFMS Blackstone Urbaser Waste Collection Merger

The European Commission approved the EFMS/Blackstone/Urbaser merger under Article 6(1)(b) of the EU Merger Regulation. The case proceeded under the super-simplified procedure at Phase 1, indicating no competition concerns. Blackstone's acquisition of waste management companies EFMS and Urbaser was cleared without conditions.

Liberty Global / Telefonica / Infravia / Netomnia and BRSK Merger

The European Commission granted Phase 1 clearance to the Liberty Global / Telefonica / Infravia / Netomnia and BRSK Assets concentration under the super-simplified procedure. The decision (Art. 6(1)(b)) was issued on March 30, 2026. The case falls under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 and involves wired, wireless, and satellite telecommunications activities (NACE K.61.10).

Liberty Global / Telefonica / Substantial Merger

The European Commission cleared the Liberty Global/Telefonica/Substantial merger under the super-simplified procedure. The Commission issued a non-opposition decision under Article 6(1)(b) on March 30, 2026, before the provisional Phase 1 deadline of April 8, 2026. The transaction involves telecommunications operators operating under NACE Rev. 2.1 code K.61.10.

Glencore/FincoEnergies Merger Clearance

The European Commission cleared Glencore plc's acquisition of FincoEnergies B.V. under Article 6(1)(b) of the EC Merger Regulation. The Commission applied the simplified treatment procedure and declared the concentration compatible with the internal market and EEA Agreement. Case M.12300.

EC Clears Phillips 66 Acquisition of Lindsey Refinery Assets

The European Commission cleared Phillips 66 Limited's acquisition of Lindsey Oil Refinery assets from Prax Group Holdings Limited under the EU Merger Regulation. The Commission applied simplified treatment and declared the concentration compatible with the internal market and EEA Agreement. This is a routine merger clearance with no conditions.

JLL/PIF/FMTECH Merger Approved

The European Commission approved the acquisition of joint control over Saudi Facility Management Company (FMTech) by Jones Lang Lasalle Co-Investment (US) and the Public Investment Fund (Saudi Arabia). The transaction was reviewed under the simplified merger procedure and declared compatible with the internal market and EEA Agreement. No concerns were raised regarding competition.

JLL / PIF / FMTECH Merger - Phase I Clearance

The European Commission cleared the JLL/PIF/FMTECH merger under Article 6(1)(b) of the EU Merger Regulation. The Phase I decision was adopted on 27 March 2026, with the parties notified on 4 March 2026. The concentration involves combined facilities support activities (NACE O.81.10) and was cleared without conditions or remedies.

EU merger notification JLL/PIF/FMTECH simplified procedure

The European Commission published a prior notification of a concentration in Case M.12358 involving JLL, PIF, and FMTECH. The transaction has been identified as a candidate for the simplified merger procedure, which applies to straightforward cases unlikely to raise competition concerns. This notice invites third parties with comparable interests to submit observations on the proposed concentration.

JLL and PIF acquire joint control of FMTECH

The European Commission received a merger notification (M.12358) under Council Regulation No. 139/2004 for JLL Co-Investment and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) to acquire joint control of FMTech, a Saudi facilities management company currently solely controlled by PIF. JLL is a Chicago-based global commercial real estate and investment management company.

Spain CISAF: Catalonia Zero-Emission Manufacturing Aid Scheme

The European Commission approved Spain's request for a €50 million state aid scheme under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) to support zero-emission manufacturing in Catalonia. The aid will be administered as direct grants through non-competitive open calls by the Catalan Directorate General of Industry, with eligible manufacturers able to apply until 31 December 2030.

Non-opposition to EPH/TTE/EFG concentration (Case M.12302)

The European Commission issued a non-opposition decision for Case M.12302 involving EPH, TTE, and EFG. The notified concentration was cleared without commitments or further investigation, indicating the Commission found no competition concerns. This is a standard Phase I merger clearance under EU competition rules.

Spanish Film Project State Aid Scheme Approved

The European Commission has approved Spain's state aid scheme for full-length film projects, which will operate as a direct grant until December 31, 2030. The scheme aims to support the Spanish audiovisual sector.

EC State Aid: Alpine Rail Freight Operating Aid

The European Commission has decided not to raise objections to state aid provided by France and Italy for the operation of the alpine rail freight service between Aiton, France, and Orbassano, Italy. This aid is intended to coordinate transport and will be provided as a direct grant until the end of 2027.

Non-opposition to concentration EFMS / DESOTEC M.12272

The European Commission has issued a notice of non-opposition to a notified concentration, Case M.12272, involving EFMS and DESOTEC. This decision indicates that the concentration does not raise competition concerns under the EU's merger control regulations.

Brookfield/Oaktree Foreign Subsidies Case Decision

The European Commission has closed its investigation into Brookfield/Oaktree's foreign subsidies case. The provisional deadline and suspension period under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation expired on March 17, 2026, indicating the resolution of the case. The case involved financial service activities.

Thermo Fisher / Clario Merger Decision

The European Commission has issued a decision regarding the merger between Thermo Fisher and Clario under Council Regulation 139/2004. The decision, dated March 19, 2026, was made under Article 6(1)(b) of the regulation.

EU Non-Opposition to Concentration M.12352: DigitalBridge/TCGL/County Broadband/Freedom Fibre/Truespeed

The European Commission has published a notice regarding its non-opposition to the concentration M.12352, involving DigitalBridge, TCGL, County Broadband, Freedom Fibre, and Truespeed. This decision indicates that the proposed concentration does not raise competition concerns within the European Union.

Italy's Alpine Rail Service Direct Grant Aid Scheme Approved

The European Commission has approved Italy's direct grant aid scheme for Alpine rail services. The scheme, notified as SA.119508, aims to coordinate transport and will be in effect until December 31, 2027.

Brookfield / Oaktree Case FS.100301 Decision

The European Commission has issued a decision in the Brookfield/Oaktree case (FS.100301). The provisional deadline and suspension period under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation expired on March 17, 2026, indicating a resolution or conclusion of the review process for this concentration.

Merger M.12309: Eurazeo, Eiffel, Segula

The European Commission has approved the merger between Eurazeo, Eiffel, and Segula under Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The decision was made on March 18, 2026, with a provisional deadline of March 31, 2026. The merger involves companies engaged in engineering activities and related technical consultancy.

MKS PAMP / SOLIT Merger Non-Opposition Decision

The European Commission has issued a non-opposition decision for the proposed concentration between MKS PAMP Group Limited and SOLIT Group AG. The decision, made under Article 6(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation, declares the operation compatible with the internal market and the EEA Agreement.

Merger M.12214: Dalkia, Eiffage, RATP, Paris, SEMOP

The European Commission has published details regarding Merger M.12214, involving Dalkia, Eiffage, RATP Solutions Ville, Ville de Paris, and SEMOP. The notification date was February 13, 2026, with a decision under Article 6(1)(b) dated March 19, 2026.

Foreign Subsidies Case FS.100294: Dalkia, Eiffage, RATP, Paris

The European Commission's Foreign Subsidies Regulation case FS.100294 concerning Dalkia, Eiffage, RATP, and the City of Paris has reached a decision. The provisional deadline and suspension period expired on March 20, 2026, indicating a resolution to the investigation into potential foreign subsidies impacting these entities.

EC Merger M.12272 EFMS / DESOTEC Decision

The European Commission has approved the merger between EFMS and Desotec under case M.12272. The decision, dated March 17, 2026, found no grounds for opposition to the concentration.

EC State Aid Case M.12287: TPG / Vitality / Softbank Concentration

The European Commission has issued a notice regarding State Aid Case M.12287, concerning the concentration between TPG, Vitality, and Softbank. The Commission has decided not to oppose this notified concentration.