The announcement yesterday afternoon (3 May) means that five gravure plants in Germany and Arvato's new Liverpool site will become part of one European gravure superpower.
The Commission ruled that the merger would not "significantly impede competition in the single market or in any member state".
In a joint statement, the firms welcomed the decision and revealed that Arvato board member and Maul-Belser Media Group chairman Stephan Krauss would become chief executive of the new company.
The joint venture does not include Bertelsmann's gravure facilities in Spain or Italy, or any of the groups' web offset plants. Bertelsmann owns Arvato and a 75% stake in Gruner+Jahr.
Story by Josh Brooks
Have your say in the Printweek Poll
Related stories
Latest comments
"Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this Jo, and PrintWeek!
Please feel free to get in touch with the Howden Print Team to arrange your own Free of Charge Cyber Micro-Penetration Test to help..."
"I never quite understand the statements such as "achieved such a positive outcome for this well-established business".
The established business unfortunately failed and no longer exists, a..."
"Genuinely sorry to read this."
Up next...
Certification can help
Printers urged to check exposure to cyber crime
Held at Aston Martin Racing Technology Campus
Xerox highlights power of data at client event
Support for important local event
Fujifilm contributes to Operation Dynamo commemorations
Standout addition to press hall