Press Release: Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into proposed take-over of Martinair by KLM

The European Commission opened an in-depth investigation under the EU Merger Regulation into the planned acquisition of Martinair by KLM, both Dutch air transport companies. The Commission’s initial market investigation indicated that the proposed acquisition might substantially reduce competition, and so raise serious doubts as to its compatibility with the Single Market, as regards at least passenger transport between Amsterdam and the Dutch Antilles, more specifically Curaçao and Aruba. The decision to open an in-depth inquiry does not prejudge the final result of the investigation. The Commission now has 90 working days, until 21 January 2009, to take a final decision on whether the concentration would significantly impede effective competition within the European Economic Area (EEA) or a substantial part of it.