Merger control: Commission opens in-depth investigation into proposed take-over of Martinair by KLM
- The Netherlands
- 09/15/2008
- Roschier, Attorneys Ltd. - Finland
The Commission has opened an in-depth investigation into KLM’s proposed acquisition of Martinair; both are air transport companies of the Netherlands. KLM is a full-service air carrier and part of the Air France-KLM group. Martinair is an airline currently owned 50/50 by KLM and the sea and land transport company Maersk. Both parties are active in air transport of passengers and cargo between Amsterdam and several destinations worldwide. The proposed transaction would bring together the two main scheduled airlines operating passenger air transportation services to various long-haul destinations out of Amsterdam. The Commission’s initial market investigation revealed that the acquisition raises serious competition concerns regarding at least passenger transport between Amsterdam and the Dutch Antilles. In order to remove competition concerns, KLM proposed remedies, but the Commission found these remedies insufficient to allay the Commission’s doubts. The Commission now has 90 working days within which to finally decide whether the acquisition would significantly impede effective competition in the EEA or in any substantial part thereof.
Source: Commission Press Release 8/9/2008
