According to the Authority, restrictions of competition may have occurred following the acquisition of 49% of Moby's share capital by SAS - Shipping Agencies Services

The Italian Competition Authority has opened an investigation against SAS - Shipping Agencies Services SARL, a company of the Msc Group, Moby S.p.A. and Grandi Navi Veloci S.p.A. (GNV) to verify the existence of possible restrictions of competition following the acquisition of 49% of the share capital of Moby S.p.A. by SAS and the subsequent substantial financing granted by the latter to Moby.

The markets in question are highly concentrated and concern maritime freight and passenger transport between the mainland and the larger islands. The main operators are Moby, GNV, or occasionally a third party. Nonetheless, these markets are characterised by significant barriers to entry.

On 13th November, the Authority, assisted by the Special Antitrust Unit of the Italian Financial Police (Guardia di Finanza), conducted inspections at the offices of Moby S.p.A., Grandi Navi Veloci S.p.A., Onorato Armatori s.r.l. and Marinvest s.r.l.

Rome, 18 November 2024