Reports suggest the European Commission (EC) has privately outlined its antitrust concerns to Praxair and Linde over the terms of their $70bn merger of equals.
It is understood that competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager has sent a confidential statement of objections (SO) outlining concerns over the combined group’s effect on the industry’s competitive landscape in Europe.
No official statement or confirmation has yet been issued by either party.
The EC confirmed on 16th February that it had opened an in-depth investigation into the merger amidst concerns that the deal may reduce competition in the supply of several crucial gases in Europe.
... to continue reading you must be subscribed
