The European Commission (EC) has approved a major joint acquisition involving EEW Holding, a Germany-based company, and Sumitomo, a Japanese industrial actor. Valued at €998 million, this transaction aims to strengthen the production of steel monopiles, critical structures for offshore wind farms.
An in-depth analysis to safeguard competition
The EC’s approval, issued under the EU Merger Regulation, is based on a detailed market analysis. Authorities concluded that the transaction would not pose competition risks or negatively impact existing market actors. The market, according to the EC, will remain balanced and competitive.
This acquisition aligns with the European Union’s broader strategy to accelerate the energy transition and develop robust infrastructure for offshore wind energy, a cornerstone of its climate ambitions.
Strategic partnership for offshore wind energy
By combining Sumitomo’s expertise in international steel markets with EEW’s specialization in offshore infrastructure, this acquisition represents a significant step toward enhancing production capacity in Europe. This strategic cooperation will meet the growing demand for monopiles, a rapidly expanding sector driven by European climate objectives and global demand.
European initiatives for renewable energy
Alongside this acquisition, the EC continues its commitment to renewable energy. In 2024, it allocated nearly €998 million to green hydrogen production projects in the Netherlands, while also providing €80 million in funding to Djewels, a subsidiary of HyCC, for the development of innovative technologies in this field. These initiatives are integral to the European Union’s strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Economic and industrial outlook
This acquisition represents a key milestone in aligning private investments with European political objectives in renewable energy. It strengthens Europe’s industrial capacity to meet global demand while ensuring enhanced competitiveness in the offshore wind infrastructure sector.
