Disclaimer :

The Competition DG makes the information provided by the notifying parties in section 1.2 of Form CO available to the public in order to increase transparency. This information has been prepared by the notifying parties under their sole responsibility, and its content in no way prejudges the view the Commission may take of the planned operation. Nor can the Commission be held responsible for any incorrect or misleading information contained therein.

SECTION 1.2

Description of the concentration

This notification concerns the proposed acquisition by Bulgarian Airways Group EAD (“BAG”) of joint control over Swissport Bulgaria AD (“Swissport Bulgaria”) through BAG’s acquisition of 34% of the shares in Swissport Bulgaria from Airport Consult OOD and 15% of the shares in Swissport Bulgaria from Swissport International AG (“Swissport”). Swissport currently solely controls Swissport Bulgaria and will retain joint control over Swissport Bulgaria following the transaction. In particular:

BAG’s core business consists of international and domestic air transport of passengers and cargo as well as related activities. BAG controls the airline Bulgaria Air AD. In 2012, BAG had worldwide revenues of around € 160 million. BAG is ultimately controlled by the Chim Invest Institute.

Swissport is a provider of airport ground handling, cargo handling, and related services to airlines. In 2012, Swissport had worldwide revenues of around € 1.5 billion. Swissport is owned and controlled by PAI partners SAS.

Swissport Bulgaria is one of several providers of ground handling, cargo handling, and related services to airline customers at the Letishte Sofia- Vrazhdebna airport in Sofia.

Bulgaria Air is a customer of Swissport Bulgaria (at Sofia airport) and of Swissport (at a few airports outside of Bulgaria).