The Directorate-General Once Again Extended The Deadline for The Detailed Investigation

The Directorate-General for Competition of the EU Commission has once again extended the deadline for the more detailed investigation (phase II investigation) of the planned merger of Munksj with the label & processing division of Ahlstrom. The investigation, which began on 7 December, was actually intended to be concluded within 90 working days, i.e. by 29 April. As early as 17 December it was decided to extend by a further ten working days, to 16 May. Now the decision concerning approval of the merger plans is to be made by 7 June. With the further extension of the deadline the EU Commission reacted to the follow-up improvement proposal submitted by Ahlstrom and Munksj in mid-March. This proposal provides for a spin-off of the Ahlstrom activities in the areas of pre-impregnates and abrasive base papers as well as two paper machines designed for these products in the company operating under Ahlstrom Osnabrück. The sale of these activities to a company not involved in this merger is intended to dissipate concerns expressed by the EU Commission on 22 February regarding a restriction in competition in the product areas of abrasive base papers and pre-impregnates.