The European Commission published in the Official Journal of the European Union of August 11th a prior notification of a concentration between the companies Galp Energia España and Agip España. With this operation, that was already initiated and withdrawn early this year, Galp Energia seeks to double its retail presence in Spain.

On August 4th 2008, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) Nº 139/2004 by which the undertaking Galp Energia España, SAU (‘Galp Energia España’, Spain) belonging to the Galp Energia group and controlled by ENI SpA (‘ENI’, Italy), Amorim Energia BV (‘Amorim’, Portugal) and Caixa Geral de Depósitos SA (‘CGD’ Portugal), acquires control of the whole of the undertaking Agip España, SAU (‘Agip España’, Spain) controlled by ENI SpA, by way of purchase of shares.

An operation of concentration between Galp Energia España and Agip España was already notified to the Commission on April 3rd. 2008, but was later withdrawn on April 11th.

The business activities of all the companies and subsidiaries concerned are:

• Galp Energia España: Retail and non-retail sales of petroleum products.
• Galp Energia group (Public, ELI:GALP): Portugal's leading integrated oil and natural gas group, with a growing presence in Spain and a developing power business, dedicated to the exploration and production of crude oil, refining and marketing of petroleum products.
• Agip España: Agip España is a company 100% owned by Eni S.p.A. through its affiliate Eni International B.V., Amsterdam (100%). It has been active in the Spanish market since its foundation on the 24th October 1967. It employs highly qualified resources and operates in the fields of oil distribution and retail, as well as in the fields of lubricant production and marketing, retail and non-retail sales of petroleum products.
• ENI (Public, BIT:ENI): Eni operates in the oil and gas, electricity generation and sale, petrochemicals, oilfield services construction and engineering industries. In these businesses it has a strong edge and leading international market position..
• Amorim: Energy related services.
• CGD, Caixa Geral de Depositos: retail and corporate banking services, investment banking and asset management.

On a 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.

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission. Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication, and can be sent to the Commission  under reference number COMP/M.5169 — Galp Energia España/Agip España either by fax: (32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44; or by post, to the following address:

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