<p>The merger plans, which were originally announced by the companies in April 2007, will see Eni acquire ExxonMobil's fuel retail network in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. ExxonMobil's retail network across these eastern European countries totals 102 petrol stations under the Esso brand. A number of other oil assets are also involved.<br /><br />Although the commission was originally carrying out a simple merger review, the change in status of the assessment indicates that the European Commission (EC) may have some concerns regarding whether the merger would still allow fair competition within the EU fuel retail sector.<br /><br />However, according to AFX News, the EC's closing date for completion of its inquiry has not been changed, and will stay as July 24, 2007.</p>
