The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of Thales by Dassault Aviation and TSA, all of France. After examining the case, the Commission concluded that, due to the credible alternative suppliers on the European and world markets that would remain after the merger and the position of the French Ministry of Defence as the sole purchaser of military products in France, the transaction would not significantly impede effective competition in the EEA or in a substantial part of it.