The markets have welcomed the Czech antimonopoly office’s (ÚOHS) approval of Prague-listed power utility ČEZ’s acquisition of the Energotrans heating plant from energy group EPH. Regulators had launched a detailed long-term probe into the deal, part of a larger asset agreement between ČEZ and EPH, on concerns that it could increase ČEZ’s grip of the electricity production market beyond an acceptable level.

Energy group Energetický a Průmyslový Holding (EPH) has called the withdrawal of mining company Czech Coal from a contract to supply the former’s Elektrárny Opatovice power station with lignite “unjustified,” rejecting claims that it failed to make payments for supplies.

The Czech competition watchdog (ÚOHS) has bared its teeth and announced it is launching a prolonged investigation into ČEZ’s sale of its 50-percent stake in German coal company MIBRAG to Energetický a Průmyslový Holding (EPH) and acquisition of control of local heat and power company Energotrans from EPH. The former deal could well give ČEZ too much of a slice of local electricity production.

ČEZ chief Martin Roman is expected to officially announce his resignation on Thursday and be replaced by Daniel Beneš, the current ČEZ board of directors vice-chairman. According to Czech Position’s sources, he signaled the move months ago. Regardless, Czech PM Petr Nečas reportedly wants the new boss of ČEZ to fully concentrate on the planning of the expansion of the Temelín nuclear power plant.