Press Release: Mergers: Commission clears proposed take-over of Martinair by KLM

The European Commission approved under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of Martinair by KLM, both Dutch airlines active in the transport of passengers and cargo. In September 2008, the Commission opened an in-depth-investigation because of concerns regarding the potential impact of the proposed transaction on passenger transport in particular between Amsterdam and Curacao and Aruba (in the Dutch Antilles). The in-depth investigation, including a consumer survey at Amsterdam airport, showed that the transaction would have only a limited market impact. The Commission therefore concluded that the proposed transaction would not significantly impede effective competition in the European Economic Area (EEA) or in a substantial part of it.