Channel merger still undecided
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• The future of crossChannel services for international hauliers continues to hang in the balance with just days to go before the competition authorities decide whether to allow or veto the proposed merger between P&O and Steno Sea link.
Industry sources believe the competition authorities will either sanction a total go-ahead of the proposed deal by the Iwo ferry giants or turn it down completely, excluding the option of a go-ahead with pricing and service level conditions. It is thought conditions would be unenforceable.
The Department of Trade and Industry is strongly opposed to the deal, believing it would not favour hauliers and passengers, while the European Commission—which theoretically has the final say— is less set in its views.