On 29th May 2008, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration between Eramet, the Frecnh mining group and the Norwegian company Tinfos by which the undertaking Eramet SA (‘Eramet’, France) acquires control of part of Tinfos A/S (all the assets of Tifnos excluding a 60 % in Tinfos' hydropower business) (‘Tinfos’, Norway) by way of
purchase of shares.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:
Eramet SA (‘Eramet’, France) is a rapidly growing French mining and metallurgical group, which bases the pursuit and development of its activities on a plan for lasting, profitable and harmonious growth. The Group employs more than 15,000 people in more than 20 countries on five continents, and holds frontrank global positions in each of its activities. The three divisions of the Group –  Eramet Nickel, Eramet Manganese and Eramet Alloys – generated a combined €3.792 billion in turnover in 2007.

Tinfos NiziA/S (‘Tinfos’, Norway) has been marketing Ferro Alloys, Pig Iron and Non Ferrous Metals on a world-wide basis since 1898. The company combines expertise with an innovative approach based on trust, partership and sharing added value with producers and consumers. Tinfos Nizi is present with local sales and distribution offices in Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Nordic countries, Spain and UK covering all major European markets, and in Brazil and USA for the South and North American markets.