The EC said its "initial investigation" into Aker's proposed share acquisition found that the "transaction [could] create a dominant position on the markets for construction of oil and gas platforms as well as the modification and maintenance [and operations (MMO)] of such platforms." No adverse effect Aker, naturally, reckoned a "combination with Kvaerner would not adversely affect competition in any market." To prove its antimonopolistic goodwill, Aker went so far as to shed its US-based Deepwater Company unit and its Norwegian-headquartered marine seismic unit in the interim in order to "address the [EC's] competition concerns in the [engineering, procurement, construction, and installation (EPCI)] market on the NCS." Not far enough, though, for the EC still felt this sell-off fell short in assuaging its anticompetition fears and provided no guarantee of the creation of a "viable, stand-alone business for a competitor in the MMO market [that would] challenge seriously the position of Aker-Kvaerner."