EU: EC approves Varta AG’s acquisition of Energize

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, Varta as a suitable purchaser of assets divested by Energizer in order to acquire Spectrum Brands’ batteries and portable lighting business. The Commission also approved Varta AG’s acquisition of the divested assets under EU merger rules, subject to conditions.

In December 2018, the Commission approved the acquisition of Spectrum Brands’ batteries and portable lighting business by Energizer, subject to conditions. In particular, Energizer was required to sell its business of Varta-branded and unbranded household and specialty batteries to a suitable purchaser. The divestiture was proposed by Energizer to address the Commission’s concerns that the combination of Energizer and Spectrum would have significantly reduced competition in a number of countries in the European Economic Area. 

The package of assets that Energizer offered to divest consists of Spectrum’s entire activities in Varta-branded and unbranded household and specialty batteries, chargers, and portable lighting, in Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).

Full Content: Europa

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