EU approves Deutsche Bahn takeover of Spain's Transfesa 19/03/2008 00:00

The European Commission on Wednesday approved the takeover of Spain's Transfesa logistics company by Germany's state- owned Deutsche Bahn

19 March 2008

BRUSSELS - The European Commission on Wednesday approved the takeover of Spain's Transfesa logistics company by Germany's state- owned Deutsche Bahn (DB), saying that it would not harm competition in Europe.

The approval from the European Union's executive body gives the green light to the German railway company in its bid to enter the Spanish logistics market.

DB already offers rail and freight services in Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, France and Britain.

Transfesa offers rail and freight services within Spain, specialising in transporting vehicle parts and fully made vehicles.

Commission experts judged that although the merged company "might have a competitive advantage due to the ownership of certain transport equipment" for moving cars and components, there was enough competition in the relevant markets to make sure that the merged company would not have an unfair advantage.

[Copyright dpa 2008]