Siemens and Alstom were not able to dispel the concerns of the competition authorities, according to information from EU circles. To create Brussels crosses the projects of the companies, a so-called “European Champion”. the Thomas Fromm, Leo Klimm, Paris, and Alexander Mühlacher, Brussels
The planned merger of the Zugsparten of Siemens and Alstom stands in front of the. According to SZ information, the EU Commission wants the merger this Wednesday.
From the EU circles, it became known that both companies were not able to dispel the concerns of the competition authorities. To create by crossing Brussels, the German-French projects, a so-called European Champion. The governments in Berlin and Paris had argued vehemently for an “Airbus of the Rail”.
Siemens and Alstom worked for more than a year on the merger of their Zugsparten, to guard against the competition of Chinese railway group in CRRC. This Argument is Brussels, however, do not apply. The EU Commission argues for the protection of the European competition and also not to assume that CRRC is of the essence in the coming years in a big way on the European market.
“We will allow competition, the fair is for companies and, ultimately, fair for consumers”
Alstom and Siemens prepared, therefore, to a Veto from Brussels. “The last deadline for the decision on Wednesday would be in a week”, it was said from the group’s circles. However assuming that the authority wishes to bring the subject quickly to avoid another week of political discussions.
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, defended on Tuesday the competition policy of its authority: “We will always allow competition, the fair is for companies and, ultimately, fair for consumers.” The Commission will “not play politics”. In 30 years, the antitrust authority more than 6000 would have approved mergers, and less than 30 blocks, said Juncker. “This is a message to those who say that the Commission for the blind, the stupid, obstinate technocrats.” Juncker was apparently a reference to a Statement made by Siemens-Chef Joe Kaeser, had said with a view on the merger decision, it will be “interesting to see whether the future of mobility in Europe is determined by backward-looking technocrats, or of forward-looking Europeans”.
Siemens and Alstom had tried until the very last to invalidate the Brussels ‘ concerns. But, in the opinion of the antitrust guard the disadvantages for competitors and consumers would have prevailed in the markets for high-speed trains and signalling systems.
A merger would have led to “higher prices and less Innovation and competition in the world slowed down,” it said in Brussels. At a recent coordination with the competition authorities of the EU member States all representatives of the evaluation the Commission agreed to fast – France. According to reports, only the Federal cartel office.
The French government, which had tried in the past few weeks, in vain, Brussels, under pressure, called for “a Change of the EU competition rules”. Paris wants
