Press Release: Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into Ryanair’s take-over of Aer Lingus

The European Commission has opened a detailed investigation under the EU Merger Regulation into the planned acquisition by the low cost carrier Ryanair of the Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus. The Commission’s initial market investigation indicates that the proposed acquisition would raise serious competition concerns in the passenger air transport sector and in particular could reduce choice for consumers and could give rise to higher fares than would be likely if the two carriers remained separate. The Commission now has 90 working days (until 11 May 2007) 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. The decision to open an in-depth inquiry does not prejudge the final result of the investigation.