At the conclusion of the initial control phase foreseen by the merger regulation, the EC has decided to examine more closely the planned SiC joint venture between Societe europeenne des produits refractaires (SEPR), Elektroschemlzwerk Kempten (ESK) and NV NOM (see IM, December '95, p.9). The Commission has stated that the concentration of assets causes concern as it feels that it may lead to the creation of a dominant position in the European Economic Area (EEA) in silicon carbide for refractory and abrasive markets. SEPR, which is owned by French group Saint Gobain, is already established in this market through its subsidiaries Norton AS and Intermat SA. Similarly, ESK, owned by Wacker Chemie, is also active in the sector through its Netherlands-based subsidiary Elektroschmelzwerk Delfzijl (ESD). The third party in the deal, NV NOM, is currently not involved in the SiC industry, and is instead active in investment promotion and the development of the northern provinces of the Netherlands.
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