EC Competition Cases

SFPIM/LINEAS Merger Prior Notification, Simplified Procedure

The European Commission has published notice of prior notification of a concentration (Case M.12326) concerning SFPIM's proposed acquisition of LINEAS. The transaction has been identified as a candidate for the simplified procedure under the EU Merger Regulation, which applies to concentrations that do not raise competition concerns requiring a full investigation. Third parties with a legitimate interest may submit observations to the Commission.

Orange / MasOrange Merger Cleared Under Article 6(1)(b) EU Merger Regulation

The European Commission cleared Orange S.A.'s acquisition of sole control over MasOrange S.L., both telecommunications operators. The Commission determined the transaction falls within the scope of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 and, under simplified treatment procedures, 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.

SFPIM / LINEAS Merger Cleared Under EU Regulation 139/2004

The European Commission has cleared the SFPIM / LINEAS merger under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation 139/2004. The decision was issued on 14 April 2026 and the transaction proceeded under the simplified merger procedure without a Phase II investigation. The transaction involves rail freight transport and logistics activities falling under NACE codes H.49 (land transport) and H.52 (warehousing and support activities). Parties to the transaction include SFPIM and LINEAS operating in rail freight transport and associated logistics services. The clearance decision is binding and final under EU competition law.

UPM-KYMMENE / SAPPI JV - FSR Deadline Expired

The European Commission registered Case FS.100308 concerning a concentration between UPM-KYMMENE and SAPPI under Regulation 2022/2560 (Foreign Subsidies Regulation). The case covers economic activities in manufacture of pulp (NACE C.17.11) and paper/paperboard (NACE C.17.12). The provisional deadline and suspension period under FSR expired on 10 April 2026.

Motherson Nexans Autoelectric FSR Concentration Case Provisional Deadline Expires

The European Commission's provisional deadline and suspension period under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR) for the Motherson/Nexans Autoelectric concentration case expired on 10 April 2026. The case was notified on 3 March 2026 and involved the manufacture of motor vehicle parts and accessories (NACE C.29.32). The expiration of the provisional deadline indicates the review period has concluded without further suspension.

EC Clears EFMS/GIC Acquirers/Kelda Group Water Merger Under Article 6(1)(b)

The European Commission cleared the EFMS/GIC Acquirers/Kelda Group merger under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation 139/2004. The decision, issued on 13 April 2026, approved the concentration without conditions. The transaction involves companies in water collection, treatment, supply, and sewerage activities.

IG4 Group / Petrobras / Braskem merger prior notification (Case M.12316)

The European Commission received a prior notification of a concentration (Case M.12316) involving IG4 Group, Petrobras, and Braskem. The transaction was published in the Official Journal on March 23, 2026, and is designated as a candidate for the simplified merger procedure. Interested third parties may submit observations on the proposed merger.

BioMarin / Amicus Pharmaceutical Merger Phase 1 Investigation

The European Commission has accepted notification of a proposed merger between BioMarin Pharmaceutical and Amicus Therapeutics, both pharmaceutical companies engaged in manufacturing, wholesale distribution, R&D, and health activities. The case has been assigned Phase 1 investigation status under the simplified procedure, with a provisional deadline of 17 April 2026 for Commission decision.

LCL / Groupe Milleis Foreign Subsidies Concentration Provisional Deadline Expired

The European Commission's Directorate-General for Competition has confirmed the expiration of the provisional deadline for the LCL/Groupe Milleis foreign subsidies concentration case (FS.100291) on 31 March 2026. The notification was received on 24 February 2026 under Regulation 2022/2560, covering financial services and insurance activities. No substantive compliance actions or penalties are associated with this procedural milestone.

SK Capital / Swixx Biopharma Merger - Phase 1 Review

The European Commission initiated Phase 1 review of the proposed merger between SK Capital and Swixx Biopharma under Council Regulation 139/2004. The merger involves wholesale distribution of pharmaceutical and medical goods. A decision under Article 6(1)(b) was issued on March 31, 2026, with provisional deadline of April 16, 2026.