The Official Journal of the European Union published on February 20th 2009 a prior notification for concentration between the undertakings Lagardère, Sumitomo and HFG. Interested third parties must submit their opinions on the announced operation by March 2nd 2009.

On February 13th 2009, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) Nº 139/2004 by which the undertakings Lagardère SCA (‘Lagardère’, France) through its subsidiary Hachette Filippacchi Press (‘HFP’, France) and Sumitomo Corporation (‘Sumitomo’, Japan) acquire joint control of the undertaking Hachette FujinGaho (‘HFG’, Japan) by way of purchase of shares. HFG is currently wholly owned by HFP.

Business activities of the undertakings concerned

• Lagardère: Lagardère is a worldwide media group head-quartered in France and listed on the Paris Stock Exchange. Lagardère is mainly active in the sectors such as book and magazine publishing; radio and TV broadcasting; film and TV production and distribution; advertising sales brokerage; website publishing; travel retail; and brokerage and management of sport-related rights.
• Hachette Filippacchi: HFP is a worldwide publisher of consumer magazines. HFP is also engaged in the sale of advertising space in its own titles and those of third parties.
• Sumitomo Corporation (Public, TYO:8053): Sumitomo is the ultimate parent company of the Sumitomo Corporation Group and is an integrated trading company which provides a comprehensive range of services in Japan and around the world, including Asia, the United States and Europe.
• Hachette FujinGaho: HFG is currently active in the publishing of female fashion and lifestyle magazines and related printed and web publications in Japan. HFG will develop additional activities, such as distance selling of female fashion products.

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of Regulation (EC) Nº 139/2004. However, the final decision on this point is reserved.

Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004, this case is a candidate for treatment under the simplified procedure.
 
Commission therefore invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission, not later than 10 days following the date of publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32-2 296 43 01 / 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.5474 — Lagardère/Sumitomo/HFG, to the following address:

European Commission
Directorate-General for Competition
Merger Registry
J-70
B-1049 Brussels