Commission clears acquisition of joint control over Keihin, Showa, Nissin Kogyo and HIAMS by Honda and Hitachi

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control over Keihin, Showa, Nissin Kogyo and HIAMS, by Honda and Hitachi, all of Japan. Keihin provides electrification systems for hybrid and electric vehicles, products for fuel cells and engine management systems. Showa manufactures components for automobiles, motorcycles and outboard motors. Nissin Kogyo supplies integrated braking systems for vehicles. HIAMS is active in the production and supply of automotive products and technologies. Honda is active in the production and distribution of automobiles, motorcycles and power products. Hitachi is mainly active in the manufacture and sale of products and services in the IT, energy, industry, mobility and smart life sectors. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns given the limited horizontal overlaps and the small increments in vertical links between the companies’ activities. Furthermore, a number of strong players will remain in the market after the merger. The transaction was examined under the normal merger review procedure.

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