23.9.2017   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 317/3

1.

On 15 September 2017, the Commission received notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1).

This notification concerns the following undertakings:

Avantor acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation control of the whole of VWR.

The concentration is accomplished by way of purchase of shares.

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—   for Avantor: Avantor is a global supplier of ultra-high purity materials including laboratory chemicals for the life sciences and advanced technology sectors.

—   for VWR: VWR is a global distributor of laboratory products and services. It distributes laboratory chemicals, reagents, consumables and scientific equipment and instruments, and offers both branded and private label products. VWR is also active in the manufacture of bioscience products and laboratory chemicals.

3.

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of the Merger Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved.

4.

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. The following reference should always be specified:

M.8522 — Avantor/VWR

Observations can be sent to the Commission by email, by fax, or by post. Please use the contact details below: