The French Minister of Economy grants clearance to a merger in the market for audit and accounting services (Deloitte / JMF)

In its decision dated 15 December 2006, the French Minister granted a clearance to the acquisition of all of shares of JMF, the holding company of BDO Marque and Gendrot, by Deloitte. Through this transaction, Deloitte will acquire sole control of JMF and indirectly sole control of BDO. Deloitte, one of the so-called Big Four, a group of international accountancy and professional services firms that handles the vast majority of audits for publicly traded companies and many private companies, provides audit and accounting services to small and medium-size companies and for quoted and large companies. Deloitte is also specialised in corporate finance advisory services and insolvency services. JMF, the target company, is also active in the audit and accounting services sector. Market