21.   The deal is the first step in simplifying a tangle of corporate cross holdings that critics say has hindered competition and made the German economy less efficient.

22.   The EU Commission said in a statement the change would not hinder competition in the relevant markets.

23.   The FCC also contended that the system was hindering full competition, because companies can find out what their competitors are charging through the publicly available tariffs.

24.   The plan would have to be approved by the European Union Commission to make sure it conforms with bloc regulations on not hindering competition.

25.   They could block the deal if they decide the new bank would unfairly dominate markets and hinder competition.

26.   Announcing the plan to bring the issue to the WTO, the USTR on Thursday accused Japan of hindering competition in the consumer photo market.

27.   Washington, which accuses Japan of hindering competition in the Japanese market, Thursday announced it would take its grievance to the World Trade Organization.