Sanofi-Aventis may take over Nepentes, stated the President of UOKiK. Transactions on car leasing, publishing, basalt extraction, production of water and beverages markets shall not restrict competition

Sanofi–Aventis is a company manufacturing, researching and selling medicines and dietary supplements. It is a part of a pharmaceutical concern operating in over 100 countries. Nepentes mainly manufactures beauty products available in pharmacies. The transaction shall consist in acquisition of 100% of Nepentes shares by Sanofi-Aventis.

Moreover, the President of UOKiK has also issued a consent for acquisition of Daimler Fleet Management Polska by Arval Service Lease. Both companies provide leasing and long-term car lease services, as well as fleet management services. Arval Service Lease Polska forms part of BNP Paribas Group, while Daimler Fleet Management Polska is a dependent undertaking of Daimler AG seated in Stuttgart.

Another decision relates to Werner Söderström Osakeyhtiö (WSO) taking over Young Digital Planet. Werner Söderström Osakeyhtiö is a publishing company (newspapers and books). Young Digital Planet provides, inter alia, the services of development and production of educational software. At present, WSO holds approximately 55% of shares of the target undertaking. Once the transaction is completed, the company will exercise independent control over Young Digital Planet.

Acquisition of Łużycka Kopalnia Bazaltu „Księginki” by Eurovia Polska will not impede competition as well. The acquiring undertaking, Eurovia Polska, operates on the market of road and motorways construction. The company has five subsidiaries, mainly manufacturing bituminous mass. „Księginki” basalt mine operates in the field of basalt extraction and processing, as well as sells basalt aggregate.

Additionally, Dopio may take over Bewa. Dopio is a provider of financial and consulting services. Bewa is controlled by PGE Kopalnia Węgla Brunatnego Bełchatów and manufactures non-alcoholic beverages and mineral water.

Upon the completion of antitrust proceedings, the President of UOKiK decided that the concentrations will not significantly restrict competition in Poland.

Under the existing regulations, a transaction is subject to a notification submitted to the antitrust authority if the transaction participants' combined turnover in the year preceding the notification exceeded 1 billion euro worldwide or 50 million euro in Poland.

We would also like to inform you that information on all antitrust proceedings related to mergers and acquisitions carried out by UOKiK is available at the Office's website.

Additional information for the media:
Małgorzata Cieloch, Spokesperson for UOKiK
Department of International Relations and Communication
Pl. Powstańcow Warszawy 1, 00-950 Warszawa
Tel.:(+48 22) 827 28 92, 55 60 106, 55 60 430
faks (+48 22) 826 11 86
E-mail: malgorzata.cieloch@uokik.gov.pl