Ford Purchase of UK Dealership Group Approved

BRUSSELS, April 30, 2004; Reuters reported that The European Commission on Friday approved plans by Ford Motor Co to purchase Polar Motor Group of Britain, currently jointly owned by Ford and Jardine Motors Group of Britain.

Polar operates a British network of 40 retail outlets and sells vehicles made by Ford, Mazda and Iveco. It also services, repairs and finance cars, and sells parts.

The Commission said Ford's purchase was an example of vertical integration of a retail network by a car and commercial vehicle manufacturer.

"In view of this and of the limited overlaps between the parties' retail activities, the Commission has decided to clear the transaction," the European Union executive said in a statement.