A PYMNTS Company

EU: EC approves Varta AG’s acquisition of Energize

By  |  December 3, 2019

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, Varta as a suitable purchaser of assets divested by Energizer in order to acquire Spectrum Brands’ batteries and portable lighting business. The Commission also approved Varta AG’s acquisition of the divested assets under EU merger rules, subject to conditions.

    Get the Full Story

    Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.

    yesSubscribe to our daily newsletter, PYMNTS Today.

    By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

    In December 2018, the Commission approved the acquisition of Spectrum Brands’ batteries and portable lighting business by Energizer, subject to conditions. In particular, Energizer was required to sell its business of Varta-branded and unbranded household and specialty batteries to a suitable purchaser. The divestiture was proposed by Energizer to address the Commission’s concerns that the combination of Energizer and Spectrum would have significantly reduced competition in a number of countries in the European Economic Area. 

    The package of assets that Energizer offered to divest consists of Spectrum’s entire activities in Varta-branded and unbranded household and specialty batteries, chargers, and portable lighting, in Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).

    Full Content: Europa

    Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.