Bundeskartellamt unconditionally clears the acquisition of ControlExpert by Allianz after Phase II investigation

On 21 October 2020 the Bundeskartellamt unconditionally cleared the acquisition of ControlExpert by Allianz Strategic Investments. ControlExpert is a leading provider of automated IT-based services to facilitate the settling of motor vehicle insurance claims.The Bundeksartellamt investigated whether the transaction would create or strengthen a dominant position and in particular whether it would give rise to input foreclose (i.e. foreclosing competitors of Allianz by restricting their access to ControlExpert’s services) or to customer foreclosure (i.e. foreclosing competitors of ControlExpert by restricting their ability to attract Allianz as a client). After a Phase II investigation, the Bundeskartellamt found that these concerns would not hold and cleared the transaction unconditionally.RBB Economics advised Allianz Strategic Investments during Phase II of the investigation, working alongside Hogan Lovells.