ENI-GAZPROM AGREEMENT: ANTITRUST AUTHORITY TO WATCH FOR ANY DISTORTION OF COMPETITION
PRESS RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE
ENI-GAZPROM: ANTITRUST AUTHORITY DOES NOT VIEW AGREEMENT AS ANTI-COMPETITIVE BUT WILL WATCH FOR ANY MARKET DISTORTION
The strategic agreement between ENI and Gazprom does not at present seem likely to have patently anti-competitive or pro-competitive effects in the national gas sector. The Authority will in any case continue to keep a close eye on its implementation so as to avoid any possible distortion of the market. This was the conclusion of the Italian Competition Authority at its meeting on 14 December 2006 after examining the accord between ENI and Gazprom in the light of Article 81 of the Treaty.
The Authority's assessment, on the basis of the EU regulation of 2003, does not constitute a prior authorization and is not prejudicial to the exercise of Antitrust powers relating to abuse of a dominant position or anti-competitive arrangements, should the need arise.
Rome, 14 December 2006