(Telecompaper) The European Commission (EC) has cleared the acquisition of German cable network operator Kabel Deutschland Holding by Vodafone Group. The EC's investigation confirmed that the activities of the merging parties were mainly complementary. While Kabel Deutschland primarily offers cable TV, fixed line telephony and internet access services, Vodafone's core business consists of mobile phone services. Vodafone also offers fixed-line telephony, internet access and IPTV services. The EC found that in markets where the parties' activities overlap, the increase in market share resulting from the proposed transaction is insignificant and will therefore not appreciably alter competition. With merger approval from the EC, all conditions to the offer have been met and Vodafone expects to close the transaction on 14 October.