EU Internal Markets Commissioner Charlie McCreevy said he will look into concerns raised by Italy over the planned merger between French energy company Suez and state-controlled Gaz de France.
Following a meeting with Italian Finance Minister Giulio Tremonti, McCreevy said his department is ready to monitor the situation in light of the concerns raised.
Mr Tremonti''s concerns focused on the principles of free movement of capital, non-discrimination and provisions of the EU market abuse directive, the commission said.
The Suez/GDF deal, which was announced by the French government over the weekend, would protect Suez from a potential takeover attempt by Italy''s power utility Enel.
Enel Chief Executive Officer Fulvio Conti rattled the French last week when he said the Italian firm could bid for Suez, sending the French utility into the arms of state-controlled Gaz de France in a government-backed merger deal.
Suez has since vowed to defend itself if the Italian firm places a rival offer.