During 13–19 January 2000, the FCA has made decisions in the following concentration cases:
United Technologies Corporation/AB Electrolux. Approved 17 January 2000.
– commercial refrigeration systems
Lohja Rudus Oy/Karkkilan Betoniasema Oy. Approved 17 January 2000.
– manufacture of cement
Fritidsresor Holding Ab/Finnmatkat-Finntours Oy Ab. Decision to initiate further proceedings 17 January 1999.
On 10 December 1999, Finnair and Fritidsresor agreed on a planned merger where Fritidsresor acquires the stock capital of Finnmatkat. In the context of the acquisition, the parties made a cooperation agreement regarding the flying of Fritidresor's Finnish holiday flights on Finnair's fleet.
Fritidresor is part of the British Thomson Travel Group operating in the travel business. Fritidsresor is currently selling package tours in Finland with the brand names Fritidsresor, Hassen Matkat and Tema Tours. The object of acquisition, Finnmatkat, also arranges package tours to traditional beach resorts in the Mediterranean and Canary Islands, and to distant destinations; also city tours to several major European cities.
After the concentration, there will be three major tour operators arranging package holidays in the Finnish market: Finnair (Aurinkomatkat, Top Club, Etumatkat), the Thomson Group (Fritidsresor, Hasse, Finnmatkat) and the Airtours Group (Tjäreborg, Spies). The joint market share of the two first groups exceeds 70% and that of Airtours amounts to approx. 15%.
In the second phase of the investigation, the FCA examines, whether, as a result of the concentration, a dominant position shall arise or be strengthened, which significantly impedes competition in the Finnish market. Part of the assessment consists of appraising whether a joint dominance shall arise to Fritidsresor and Finnair as tour operators.
Further information: Director Juhani Jokinen, tel. +358 9 7314 3389.
last modified 12/22/2003