EC Approves Acquisition of Kinetics by Exyte

The European Commission has unconditionally approved the proposed acquisition of Kinetics Holding by Exyte. Kinetics provides design and installation services as well as certain equipment for production plants and laboratories. Exyte is active globally in the design, engineering, procurement, and construction for high-tech industries such as semiconductors.

The EC investigated the impact of the transaction in the EEA markets for services and products for semiconductors and other advanced technology manufacturing facilities. It found that, by acquiring Kinetics, Exyte would expand its presence and gain scale across the EEA for services and products for semiconductor manufacturers.

The Commission further explained that Exyte's and Kinetics' activities on these markets give rise to moderate horizontal overlaps in the markets for the provision of installation services and Media Supply Systems for semiconductor facilities in the EEA, leading to an unproblematic combined position. The transaction also gives rise to vertical and conglomerate links.

The investigation confirmed that Exyte has a strong market position as a general contractor for semiconductor facilities in the EEA. Nevertheless, the EC found that the transaction, as notified, would not significantly reduce competition in the relevant markets. The Commission therefore concluded that the proposed merger would not raise competition concerns in any of the markets examined in the EEA or any substantial part of it and cleared the transaction.