BRUSSELS, July 17, 2008 (AFP) - The European Commission cleared on Thursday Pernod Ricard's takeover of Sweden's Absolut vodka after the French drinks giant promised to sell some brands in order to ensure competition.

For regulatory approval of the deal, Pernod Ricard is to sell assets making aniseed flavoured spirits in Finland, gin in Poland, vodka in Greece and cognac, port, Canadian whisky and gin in Sweden, the commission said.

'The remedies that have been proposed by Pernod Ricard will ensure that effective competition is maintained in spirits markets concerned after its acquisition of Vin Sprit,' EU Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes said.

'It is important to ensure that consumers do not suffer as a result of mergers in terms of reduced choice or higher prices,' she said.

The Swedish government announced at the end of March that it had sold the Vin Sprit group to Pernod Ricard for 5.63 billion euros (8.93 billion dollars).

With the purchase, Pernod Ricard will become the world's leading provider of premium spirits and will be propelled to a shared first place when it comes to overall wine and spirits sales.