Press Release: Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into proposed acquisition of joint control of DFDS by DSV and Vesterhavet

The European Commission opened an in-depth investigation under the EU Merger Regulation into the proposed acquisition of joint control over DFDS by DSV and Vesterhavet, all of Denmark. DFDS is currently solely controlled by Vesterhavet. DSV is the leading freight forwarder in Scandinavia, and DFDS is the leading shipping company providing Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) shipping services in Northern Europe (North Sea and Baltic Sea). Ro-Ro services are an important input for freight forwarding in Scandinavia. The Commission's initial market investigation indicated that the proposed acquisition could significantly impede effective competition because of potential adverse effects on other freight forwarders in terms of price and access to some Ro-Ro shipping services routes and so raises serious doubts as to its compatibility with the Single Market. A decision to open an in-depth inquiry does not prejudge the final result of the investigation. The Commission now has 90 working days (until 19 October 2009) to take a final decision on whether the concentration would significantly impede effective competition within the EEA or a substantial part of it.