Siemens-Alstom merger pits politics against competition

Published: Jan. 11, 2019, 11:13 a.m.

The planned merger between European rail titans Siemens and Alstom is having a tough time at the hands of EU merger-control authorities, which could block the deal if they decide it will have a harmful effect on competition. The companies and political backers say they need to create a \u201cEuropean champion\u201d to see off competition from China, but will this be enough to outweigh the domestic competition concerns? Brussels competition reporters Nicholas Hirst and Natalie McNelis talk to news editor Sam Wilkin.