Some bad news for manufacturers vying the lucrative European lighting market. The EU, sadly has decided to extend the halogen bulb ban to 2018, which could affect LED sales somewhat. World’s second largest lighting manufacturer Osram sent shockwaves throughout the industry with the announcement it was spinning off its luminaire business including traditional lighting business CBL and LED lamp business LLS. Osram is believed to be focusing on automotive lighting technologies, and other specialty lighting in the near future, while keeping LED chip and package business Osram Opto running, according to LEDinside’s understanding.