Press release from the Competition Council regarding the concentration project involving the joint takeover by the companies “Compagnie de Transports au Maroc SA” and “Stena AB” of the company “Africa Morocco Links SA” through the acquisition, respectively, of 51% and 49% of its share capital and associated voting rights

In accordance with Article 13 of Law No. 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 was prepared by the notifying parties, who are 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.

Names of the companies and groups concerned:

• The Acquirers: The companies “Compagnie de Transports au Maroc SA” and “Stena AB”;
• The Target: The company “Africa Morocco Links SA”.

Nature of the operation

• Joint takeover.

Economic sectors concerned

• The market for maritime freight transport;
• The market for regular maritime passenger transport.

Deadline for interested third parties to submit their observations

• 10 days from the date of publication of this press release, i.e. May 13, 2024.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL SUMMARY OF THE OPERATION PROVIDED BY THE PARTIES

The Competition Council received a notification of an economic concentration operation concerning:

• The acquisition of 51% of the share capital and voting rights of the company “Africa Morocco Links SA” from “Bank Of Africa SA” by “Compagnie de Transports au Maroc SA”, and;
• The acquisition of 49% of the share capital and voting rights of the company “Africa Morocco Links SA” from “Attica Holding SA” by the company “Stena AB” through its subsidiary “Stena Line Holding B.V.”.

“Compagnie de Transport au Maroc SA” (CTM) is a Moroccan joint-stock company active in passenger transport, employee transport, tourist transport, international transport, and messaging.

“Stena Line Holding B.V” is a Dutch limited liability company indirectly owned 100% by “Stena AB”, a Swedish limited liability company.

“Africa Morocco Links SA” (AML) is a Moroccan joint-stock company specializing in maritime transport and owned by “Bank Of Africa” (51%) and the Greek shipowner “Attica Holdings SA” through its subsidiary “Nordia Maritime Company” (49%).

 

Done in Rabat on May 2, 2024