On 19 November 2019, the Italian Antitrust Authority authorized, with remedies, the acquisition of control of the business units of AcegasApsAmga S.p.A. by Ascopiave S.p.A. relating to natural gas distribution in the north-east of Italy.

The remedies imposed by the Authority - following an investigation during which extensive market consultation was also carried out - are aimed at avoiding the creation of a dominant position, such as to substantially and permanently reduce competition in the market for the future tender for the award of the concession to manage the natural gas distribution service in the ATEM (Minimum Territorial Area) of Padua 1.

In particular, the Authority imposed a comprehensive package of corrective measures on the acquiring company, aimed at reducing information and financial barriers, as well as additional organisational measures concerning employment.

The purpose of these remedies is to provide incentives for potential external participants in the future tender and to off-set the advantages linked to the incumbency of acquired company which currently holds the largest part of the concessions in the ATEM Padua 1; these advantages would have been further increased as a result of this operation.

Rome, 21 November 2019