19.9.2017   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 310/6

1.

On 12 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:

Celanese and Blackstone acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) and 3(4) of the Merger Regulation joint control of a newly created joint venture by way of contribution to the JV their respective cellulose acetate flake and tow businesses.

The concentration is accomplished by way of purchase of shares in a newly created company constituting a joint venture.

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—   for Celanese: Celanese Corporation is a technology and specialty materials company. Celanese’s business segment relevant to this transaction concerns the manufacture and supply of flake and tow for use in cigarette filters,

—   for Blackstone: The Blackstone Group LP is a global asset manager. Blackstone recently acquired Acetow, a company active in the manufacture and supply of flake and tow for cigarette filters.

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.8547 — Celanese/Blackstone/JV

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