EU Blocks GE, Honeywell Merger

The European Union blocked General Electric Co.'s $41 billion purchase of Honeywell International Inc. on Tuesday, the first time a proposed merger between two U.S. companies has been blocked solely by European regulators.

The veto of one of the world's largest industrial mergers by the EU's 20-member executive Commission was widely expected after the American companies failed to allay European fears the deal would create an unfairly dominant position in markets for jetliner engine and avionics.

"The merger between GE and Honeywell, as it was notified would have severely reduced competition in the aerospace industry and resulted ultimately in higher prices for customers, particularly airlines," EU Competition Commissioner Mario Monti said in a statement.

The Commission's decision was unanimous. It came after a one-hour meeting during which Monti presented the issues to his colleagues.

EU officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity said both companies were notified immediately after the decision.

GE spokesman Gary Sheffer said the company would not comment until it gets official word of the decision. A spokesman for Morris Township, N.J.-based Honeywell did not immediately return a phone message seeking comment.

To do business in Europe, U.S. companies must comply with EU law just as European companies must abide by U.S. law to do business in America.

However, the EU's objections to a deal that had already secured regulatory approval from U.S. antitrust authorities has raised American hackles.

U.S. senators accused EU regulators of protectionism and warned of a possible "chilling effect" on tran-Atlantic relations. Even President Bush expressed concern.

EU officials point out that trans-Atlantic antitrust cooperation is generally good. As evidence, Monti noted that the two sides of the Atlantic usually reach the same decision, a tribute to daily contacts and close cooperation between the agencies.

Of nearly 400 cases involving U.S. companies reviewed in Brussels since 1990, only one deal — WorldCom-Sprint — was barred. And Washington moved to block it the next day.

On Friday GE rejected last-ditch revisions suggested by Honeywell. GE chairman and chief executive Jack Welch said Honeywell's proposal "makes no sense" for his company's shareholders.

Honeywell had offered to accept a lower purchase price, and in return asked GE to divest more of its holdings to satisfy European antitrust regulators.

By ROBERT WIELAARD
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