92000E1337

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1337/00

by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission

(4 May 2000)

Subject: Merger of Commercial Intertech Corporation with Parker Hannifin Corporation

Is the Commission aware of the merger between Commercial Intertech Corporation and Parker Hannifin Corporation and its implications for European competitivity? Will the Commission investigate whether it is appropriate for the merger to take place in the light of European competition policy? Will it undertake to meet with representatives of the workforce to hear their views?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(14 June 2000)

The Commission has not been informed of the merger, which is the subject of the questions raised by the Honourable Member.

With regard to the Commission meeting with representatives of the workforce of undertakings concerned by a notified merger, in general the Commission is willing to meet with such representatives to hear their views on the competition aspects of the operation. Furthermore, Article 18.4 of the Merger Regulation, Council Regulation (EEC) No 4064/89 of 21 December 1989, on the control of concentrations between undertakings(1) provides for the entitlement of the recognized representatives of employees to be heard upon application, in specific instances, most notably in the case of in-depth investigations.

(1) OJ L 395, 30.12.1989.