Mergers: Commission prohibits Ryanair's proposed takeover of Aer Lingus

EU News 100/2013

IP/13/167
Brussels
27 February 2013

The European Commission has prohibited, on the basis of the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed takeover of the Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus by the low-cost airline Ryanair. The acquisition would have combined the two leading airlines operating from Ireland. The Commission concluded that the merger would have harmed consumers by creating a monopoly or a dominant position on 46 routes where, currently, Aer Lingus and Ryanair compete vigorously against each other. This would have reduced choice and, most likely, would have led to price increases for consumers travelling on these routes. During the investigation, Ryanair offered remedies. The Commission assessed them thoroughly and carried out several market tests. However the remedies proposed fell short of addressing the competition concerns raised by the Commission.

Source and additional information:
http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-13-167_en.htm?locale=en

Press conference by Joaquín Almunia, Vice-President of the EC. Date: 27/02/2013 Reference: P-022790/00-08 Location: Brussels - EC/Berlaymont ©EU, 2013 URL

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