EC set to clear BAe/Marconi deal

EC set to clear BAe/Marconi deal

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION is expected to clear British Aerospace's acquisition of GEC's Marconi unit, it emerged yesterday. A Commission spokesman said: "We're not going for a full probe."

The deal had initially attracted negative comments by Competition Commissioner Karel Van Miert. However, it is understood the EU will give its blessing because it was only asked to rule on civilian aspects of the deal. The UK government asked the companies not to file military aspects of the deal on national security grounds.