The European Commission (EC) has granted an unconditional approval to UK-based airline easyJet to purchase certain assets of Air Berlin, which filed for insolvency in August.
The approval was granted under the EU Merger Regulation and follows an examination carried out by the EC on the impact of the proposed €40m transaction in the EU single market.
After examining the transaction, the EU was convinced that the deal would continue to promote healthy competition in the market.
EC competition policy commissioner Margrethe Vestager said: “Our job is to make sure that airline takeovers do not result in less competition – that would mean higher flight fares and less choice for consumers.
“EasyJet’s plans to buy certain Air Berlin assets will not reduce competition and we have approved it today. Our decision enables easyJet to grow its presence at Berlin airports and start competing on new routes to the benefit of consumers.”
In October, easyJet signed an agreement with Air Berlin to buy part of its operations at Berlin Tegel Airport in Germany.
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By GlobalDataThe deal excludes potential start-up and transitional operating costs and expects to allow easyJet to lease former Air Berlin aircraft, acquire other assets such as slots, and offer employment to Air Berlin flying crews.
It will also enable easyJet to operate 25 aircraft from Berlin Tegel Airport.
