The European Commission has cleared Vitol Holding BV, Helios Investments Partners LLP (HEAL.RQ) and Royal Dutch Shell PLC (RDSA) to acquire joint control of Dutch companies Plateau Holding and BV3.

As a result of the acquisition, Shell's downstream gas, oil and petroleum products distribution business in 14 African countries and its lubricants production business and wholesale distribution in seven African countries will be acquired by Vitol, Helios and Shell.

Vitol is Netherlands-based commodities trader. Helios is an Africa-focused private investment firm.

-By Laurence Norman, Dow Jones Newswires; 32-2741-1481; laurence.norman@dowjones.com