EU Court’s Ruling May Bolster Antitrust Powers

A European Union court decision in two competition cases this week may buttress the European Commission’s antitrust powers or spur new cries for reforms to slice its control over corporate mergers.

Competition Commissioner Mario Monti, already stung by one negative decision this year, will learn if the Court of First Instance will permit the two deals to be completed over his objection.

The court in Luxembourg will rule on Tuesday whether to overturn Monti’s decision barring French electric parts maker Schneider Electric from owning Legrand.

On Friday, another decision will be made on whether to reverse a ban on privately owned Tetra Laval, the world’s largest packaging firm, from taking over Sidel, a French bottle maker.

The rulings may feed the demand for reform of European competition law to weaken the power of commission officials.