The European Commission has solicited comment from interested parties regarding the acquisition of the OM Group's precious metals business by the Belgian company Umicore.

The €643 million deal was announced last month but has raised some questions in the EC concerning the impact on competitiveness within the market.

Umicore had expected the deal to be closed by the end of July but will now await the findings of the EC.

'On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified concentration could fall within the scope of Regulation (EEC) No 4064/89,' the EC announced, referring to regulation which monitors the impact of proposed mergers on the competitive position within the European Union.

'However, the final decision on this point is reserved,' it added.

OMG's precious metals group is a major producer of precious metal-based products, with the development of automotive catalysts chief among these.

Comments on the proposed deal must reach the EC within a ten-day deadline following the publication of the notice in the EC's Official Journal.