EU clears Autogrill acquisition of Alpha

Gavin Lipsith

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Dublin airport was the focus of a competition investigation ahead of approval of the deal

The European Union has given its approval for Autogrill to complete its acquisition of Alpha Airports Group. The EU concluded that the acquisition would not significantly affect competition within the European Economic Area.

The investigation focused primarily on the Irish market, where Alpha operates catering concessions at Dublin airport and Autogrill at Cork and Shannon airports. But the Commission said "concessions food services are granted for a limited period through regular tenders, following a transparent competitive international bidding process".

The decision paves the way for Autogrill to take control of Alpha, although it has owned over 95% of the UK group’s shares since last month. The acquisition values Alpha at £193.6m ($390m).