Competition Authority Clears Acquisition of Avocent by Emerson Electrical

12 November 2009

The Competition Authority has today cleared the proposed transaction whereby Emerson Electrical Co. (“Emerson”), through its wholly-owned subsidiary Globe Acquisition Corporation, would acquire sole control of Avocent Corporation (“Avocent”). The Competition Authority came to its decision after completing its review of the transaction, which was notified under the Competition Act 2002 by the parties on 21 October 2009.

Both Emerson and Avocent are active in the provision of IT services and IT infrastructure. In the State, they are active in the supply of power distribution units for IT services and IT infrastructure.

The Competition Authority has formed the view that the proposed acquisition does not raise competition concerns in the State. The companies have been informed of the decision that the proposed transaction will not lead to a substantial lessening of competition in any markets for goods or services in the State. The proposed transaction may now proceed. A public version of the full text of the reasons for the Authority’s decision will be published on the Authority’s website (www.tca.ie) by no later than 11 January 2010 after allowing the parties the opportunity to request that confidential information be removed from the published version.

NOTES TO THE EDITOR

Under Part 3 of the Competition Act 2002, certain mergers or acquisitions in the State that satisfy certain financial thresholds and other conditions must be notified to the Competition Authority and may not be put into effect during a prescribed waiting period. The Authority may clear or prohibit the proposed transaction.

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Contact Information

Janet McCoy, Press Officer, The Competition Authority
Tel: 01 8045455 Mobile: 087 915 5406 email: jmcc@tca.ie

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