Press Release: Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into proposed takeover of Austrian Airlines by Lufthansa

On1 July, 2009, the European Commission opened an in-depth investigation under the EU Merger Regulation into the planned acquisition of Austrian Airlines by Lufthansa of Germany. The Commission’s initial investigation indicated that the proposed acquisition could, on certain routes, give rise to reduced choice of airline services for passengers and the likelihood of higher fares and that there are therefore serious doubts as to the proposed takeover's compatibility with the Single Market in the absence of appropriate remedies. The decision to open an in-depth inquiry does not prejudge the final result of the merger investigation.