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

1.1. The notified transaction is an acquisition by Travel Service, a.s. (“Travel Service” or “TVS”) and Český Aeroholding, a.s. (“CAH”) of joint control of České aerolinie a.s. (“CSA”) within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation.

2.2. The activities of the undertakings concerned are:

a.a. CSA is the Czech national carrier, with its hub at the international Václav Havel Airport Prague (“Prague Airport”). The core business of CSA is scheduled air transport of passengers and air transport of cargo. CSA is currently controlled by CAH. Another important minority shareholder of CSA is Korean Air Lines Co., Ltd.

b.b. CAH is a state-owned holding company holding shares in selected companies engaged in air transport and related ground services at Prague Airport, including Letiště Praha, a. s., the operator of Prague Airport.

c.c. Travel Service is a Czech carrier that provides scheduled air transport of passengers, charter transport, and to a very limited extent also cargo transport. Travel Service operates scheduled flights under its low-cost brand SmartWings. The company is based at Prague Airport, with a branch office in Slovakia and subsidiaries in Poland and Hungary.