The United Kingdom’s Office of Fair Trading has referred the anticipated acquisition of Exeter and Devon Airport Ltd by Macquarie Airports Ltd and Ferrovial SA to the Competition Commission.
The OFT has decided that the test for reference is met in relation to the supply of airport infrastructure services to airlines in the South West of England.
Penny Boys, OFT executive director, said, “The merger raises concerns about a loss of competition between Exeter International Airport and Bristol International Airport which may ultimately adversely affect the choice of low-cost and charter flights for air passengers in the South West of England.”
The acquisition was referred to the OFT by the European Commission under Article 9 of the EC Merger Regulation on August 8, 2005 following a request by the OFT. The CC is expected to report by March 27, 2006.
Macquaire Airports Ltd and Ferrovial Aeropuertos SA jointly own Bristol International Airport. Exeter International Airport is currently owned by Devon County Council.