Press release from the Competition Council regarding the economic concentration project concerning the acquisition by “Société d’Exploitation des Ports SA” of the exclusive control of “Société de Manutention d’Agadir SA” through the acquisition of the remaining 49% of the share capital and related voting rights

In accordance with the provisions of Article 13 of Law 104-12 on freedom of prices and competition and Article 10 of Decree No. 2-14-652 adopted for its implementation as amended and supplemented, the Competition Council makes available to the public the “summary of the operation” below, containing the information provided by the parties.

This information has been prepared by the notifying party, which is solely responsible. Any inaccurate or distorted information contained therein does not in any way prejudge the Competition Council’s position on the proposed operation.

The publication of this press release does not attest to the completeness of the file provided for in Article 9 of Decree No. 2-14-652 adopted for the implementation of Law No. 104-12 on freedom of prices and competition as amended and supplemented.

Names of the companies and individuals involved:

• The acquirer: Société d’Exploitation des Ports SA;
• The target: Société de Manutention d’Agadir SA.

Nature of the operation:

• Acquisition of exclusive control.

Economic sectors concerned:

• The port operation market.

Deadline for interested third parties to submit their observations:

• 10 days from the date of publication of this press release, i.e. July 15, 2024.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL SUMMARY OF THE OPERATION PROVIDED BY THE PARTIES

The Competition Council has received notification of an economic concentration operation concerning the acquisition by “Société d’Exploitation des Ports SA” of the exclusive control of “Société de Manutention d’Agadir SA” through the acquisition of the remaining 49% of the share capital and related voting rights.

“Société d’Exploitation des Ports SA” is a Moroccan joint-stock company active in multi-traffic port operation in Morocco, with a presence in all commercial ports of the Kingdom.

“Société de Manutention d’Agadir SA” is a Moroccan joint-stock company, whose purpose is the development, equipment, financing, operation, maintenance, and upkeep of the northern terminal of the port of Agadir.

Done in Rabat on July 4, 2024.