First TransPennine Express / TransPennine Express franchise merger inquiry

The CMA investigated the acquisition by First TransPennine Express Limited of the TransPennine Express (TPE) rail franchise.

• From: Competition and Markets Authority
• Published: 18 January 2016
• Last updated: 4 April 2016 — See all updates

• Case type: Mergers
• Case state: Closed
• Market sector: Transport
• Outcome: Mergers - phase 1 clearance
• Opened: 18 January 2016
• Closed: 4 April 2016

Statutory timetable

Phase 1 dates	Action
4 April 2016	Decision published
14 March 2016	Decision announced
18 January to 1 February 2016	Invitation to comment
18 January 2016	Launch of merger inquiry

Phase 1

CMA clearance decision

14 March 2016: The CMA has cleared the acquisition by First TransPennine Express Limited of the TransPennine Express (TPE) rail franchise, using the ‘de minimis’ exception. The full text of the decision is available below.

• Full text decision (4.4.16)
• Press release: CMA clears TransPennine Express rail franchise award (14.3.16)

Invitation to comment: Now closed

18 January 2016: The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is considering whether it is or may be the case that this transaction if carried into effect, will result in the creation of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002 and, if so, whether the creation of that situation may be expected to result, in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services.

Launch of merger inquiry

18 January 2016: The CMA announced the launch of its merger inquiry by notice to the parties.

• Commencement of initial period notice (18.1.16)

Contact

Please send written representations about any competition or public interest to:

Angela Nissyrios
Competition and Markets Authority
Victoria House
Southampton Row
London
WC1B 4AD

[email protected]

Published 18 January 2016
Last updated 4 April 2016 + show all updates

1. 4 April 2016

   Full text of the decision published.

2. 14 March 2016

   Clearance decision announced.

3. 18 January 2016

   First published.