Disclaimer :

The Competition DG makes the information provided by the notifying parties in section 1.2 of Form CO available to the public in order to increase transparency. This information has been prepared by the notifying parties under their sole responsibility, and its content in no way prejudges the view the Commission may take of the planned operation. Nor can the Commission be held responsible for any incorrect or misleading information contained therein.

SECTION 1.2

Description of the concentration

Centrica Overseas Holdings Limited (Centrica), a wholly owned subsidiary of Centrica plc., intends to acquire the 50% equity interest held by GDF International SAS. (Gaz de France), a wholly owned subsidiary of GDF SUEZ S.A., in Segebel S.A. (Segebel).

Centrica plc is a UK based company formed in February 1997 following the demerger of British Gas plc. The activities of Centrica plc are mainly focussed in the UK where it is involved in electricity and gas production, energy product supply and trading, as well as gas shipping and gas storage. It is also active in various home services sectors.

Segebel is a 50/50 joint venture of Gaz de France and Centrica. Segebel is a holding company. Its only asset is a 51% equity interest in SPE S.A. (SPE). SPE is the second largest Belgian electricity generator and supplier of both electricity and gas in the Belgian market. SPE sells electricity to power distribution companies and to final customers. It also supplies gas to industrial customers in France, Germany and The Netherlands. Its production facilities are composed of gas/steam turbines, as well as renewable energy facilities such as hydro and wind. SPE also holds stakes in nuclear power plants in both Belgium and France.

The intended transaction will result in Centrica acquiring sole control over Segebel.