The Official Journal of the European Union publishes on July 8th, the notification sent to the Commission by Honeywell USA, informing about the operation by which it would take control over French company Sperian. After this publication, Commission opens a ten day period for interested parties to present their allegations.

On June 30th 2010, the Commission received a notification informing of the proposed concentration pursuant to Council Regulation (EC) Nº 139/2004 by which Honeywell International Inc. would acquire control of the whole of French company Sperian Protection SA within the meaning of Merger Regulation, by way of purchase of shares.

Honeywell and Sperian main activities

• Honeywell (NYSE:HON): global manufacturer active in various business areas (energy, safety and security) including Personal Protective Equipment. Honeywell International is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell’s shares are traded on the New York, London, and Chicago Stock Exchanges.
• Sperian Protection (EPA:SPR): global manufacturer of Personal Protective Equipment.  Sperian Protection is the global expert in Personal Protective Equipment, designing and manufacturing high-value-added equipment and services that protect people at work or in any hazardous environment.

The European Commission has found on its preliminary examination that the notified transaction could fall within the scope the EC Merger Regulation but reserves the final decision on this point and opens a ten day period for interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of publication, and can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by e-mail to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number COMP/M.5908 — Honeywell/Sperian, to the following address:

European Commission
Directorate-General for Competition
Merger Registry
J-70
1049 Bruxelles/Brussel
BELGIQUE/BELGIË