The EU Commission clears an acquisition between two leading global manufacturers of threat detection equipment subject to remedies (Smiths / Morpho Detection)

SMITHS GROUP / MORPHO DETECTION: MAINTAINING SECURITY THROUGH INNOVATION * In a nutshell: Smiths' acquisition of Morpho Detection brought together two leading suppliers of the equipment used to detect explosives and narcotics. This equipment is omnipresent at security checks in airports and is increasingly sophisticated. To ensure that the market would remain competitive, the parties committed to divest Morpho Detection's entire explosive trace detection business (ETD), including the R&D assets necessary to develop innovative technologies. The case highlights the importance of obtaining accurate market share information. It also illustrates the benefits of international cooperation, as the Commission and the US Department of Justice accepted similar remedies. On 18 January 2017,