EUROPE. Commission clears creation of joint venture by Mercedes-Benz and BMW

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the creation of a joint venture by Mercedes-Benz Group China Ltd. (‘Mercedes-Benz’) of China, controlled by Mercedes-Benz Group AG of Germany, and BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. (‘BMW’) of China, controlled by Bayerische Motoren Werke AG of Germany.

The transaction relates primarily to the market for public charging infrastructure networks for battery-powered cars in China.

The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the limited impact on the European Economic Area. The notified transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.