The Irish Competition Authority has cleared the proposed acquisition of DFDS passenger and freight services and routes between Belfast/ Heysham and Belfast/Liverpool.
Stena Line welcomed the approval of its acquisition and does not see this acquisition as substantially lessening competition for the provision of ferry services to or from Ireland.
The finding was “in line with Stena Line's expectations” and the company said it has worked closely with the Irish Competition Authority to provide all information necessary to allow it to reach this decision.
As the Irish and UK competition processes are separate, Stena Line now awaits the decision of the UK Competition Commission which is expected by July 25th, 2011.
In a statement, the company said: “Stena Line has provided an undertaking to the Competition Commission that the acquired business will operate as an autonomous entity until its decision is made, and continues to assist the Competition Commission with its investigation.”
