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The European Commission, a policeman of competition in Europe, opened on Friday an in-depth investigation into the proposed union of the French railway manufacturer Alstom with the mobility activities of the German Siemens.
Announced in September the year last, this historic merger would allow the two companies to stand up to the Chinese CRRC and the Canadian Bombardier.
Alstom, which manufactures in particular the TGV, and the transport division of Siemens, which produces the ICE, signed at the end of March their agreement of rapprochement.
But the European executive explains in a release fearing that this "concentration" does not reduce competition for the supply of several types of trains and signaling systems. "
Therefore, Brussels intends to examine whether this proposed buy-out" would deprive European rail operators of a choice of suppliers and innovative products and would lead to an increase in prices "which could, in turn, be detrimental to pbadenger customers.
The Commission now has until 21 November 2018 to adopt a decision. The opening of an in-depth investigation does not prejudge the outcome of the proceedings.
On June 8, Siemens and Alstom had not ruled out delaying their merger in the first half of 2019.
Alstom had rightly cited as reasons for this delay "the preparatory work of pre-notification (with the authorities (19659002) This union had sparked a controversy in France last September, a part of the political clbad denouncing the takeover by a group German of a flagship of French industry. The inter-union of Alstom was opposed to this project, fearing closures of sites and job cuts in France.
On the other hand, in Germany, the project did not provoke much emotion and was seen as beneficial for European rail but also for the country.
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