Press Release: Mergers: Commission approves proposed acquisition of First Choice by TUI, subject to conditions

The European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of First Choice, a UK travel services company, by TUI, parent of the German TUI group, active in tourism and shipping services. The Commission's decision is conditional upon the divestiture by TUI of its Irish business operating under the 'Budget Travel' brand. In light of this commitment, the Commission has concluded that the proposed transaction would not significantly impede effective competition in the European Economic Area (EEA) or any substantial part of it.