European Commission Approves Brose Acquisition of Conti Units

The European Commission has approved the purchase of Continental’s electric motor device and cooling fan businesses by German company Brose. The electric motor device business was acquired by Conti when it purchased the Siemens VDO unit, and its purchase by Brose was agreed upon in mid-December. The business specialises in electric motors for window regulators, anti-lock braking systems, heating/ventilation, engine cooling and electric power steering.

“Despite Brose’s relatively high market share for electric window motors and door systems at the EEA level, the merged entity would not be in a position to close off access to the market by competitors,” said the Commission in a statement.

Brose supplies products to more than 40 brands of vehicle and leading seat produces, and operates in 38 locations worldwide. The company reports that today one in four vehicles manufactured is equipped with at least one Brose product. The transfer of business is expected to take place on April 1, 2008.