市场监管总局首次对公用事业领域 企业并购亮红牌

Core Viewpoint - The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has prohibited the establishment of a joint venture between several gas companies in Foshan, marking the first ban on concentration in the public utility sector since the implementation of the Anti-Monopoly Law in China, aimed at maintaining competition in the bottled liquefied petroleum gas market and protecting consumer interests [1] Group 1 - On January 21, SAMR banned the joint venture proposal involving Bluebird Gas Co., Ltd. and Nanguan Gas Co., Ltd. in Foshan, Guangdong Province [1] - The proposed joint venture aimed to invest in, construct, and operate a liquefied petroleum gas storage and distribution station [1] - The concentration did not meet the reporting standards set by the State Council, but the parties voluntarily submitted the proposal for review [1] Group 2 - SAMR conducted multiple consultations with relevant government departments and industry associations, and engaged an independent third-party organization for economic analysis [1] - The assessment indicated that the concentration would lead to a dominant market position for the joint venture in the bottled liquefied petroleum gas market in Foshan, facilitating potential collusion with other market participants to raise prices [1] - The decision to prohibit the joint venture was made in accordance with the Anti-Monopoly Law and related regulations to protect fair competition and consumer interests [1]