Press Release: Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into proposed take-over of SN Brussels Airlines by Lufthansa

The European Commission opened an in-depth investigation under the EU Merger Regulation into the planned acquisition of SN AirHolding (SNAH) of Belgium by Lufthansa of Germany, both active in passenger and cargo air transport. The Commission’s initial market investigation indicated that the proposed acquisition could significantly impede effective competition and so raises serious doubts as to its compatibility with the Single Market, at least as regards passenger air transport on a number of routes between Belgium and Germany and Belgium and Switzerland. 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 10 June 2009, to take a final decision.