The European Commission has given itself longer to investigate the acquisition of optical company GrandVision by eyeglass and lens manufacturer EssilorLuxottica. That investigation should now be completed on August 13.
The market watchdog previously announced that it would conduct an in-depth investigation into the incorporation of GrandVision by the Italian-French group. The committee is concerned that the acquisition will leave less competition on the wholesale market for spectacle lenses and spectacles, and that there will also be less choice for consumers.
The deadline for completing the investigation has already shifted several times, and the investigation had even been suspended for a while. In March, Brussels expected to have completed the investigation on July 24, but it became clear last month that this would not be feasible.