The decision clears the way for CVC to merge BASF Printing Systems with Finnish ink manufacturer ANI Printing Inks, which it bought simultaneously.

The Commission said the acquisitions and merger, which be completed on 30 November, "will not significantly impede effective competition in the European Union".

CVC announced plans to buy the two companies last month (PrintWeek, 7 October). The merged company, to be based in Stuttgart, will have more than 3,500 staff and sales of more than 577m (Euro830m).

A spokeswoman for BASF Printing Systems in Germany said that the merged company will drop the BASF and ANI brands, and that a new name would be announced in early 2005.