UK: Time running short for Eurotunnel appeal

After the Competition and Markets Authority held up its predecessor’s ruling against Eurotunnel, requiring the ferry servicer to divest assets and break up its operations on a certain route, Eurotunnel has vowed to appeal, though warns that the appeal will not likely come in time to save service from coming to a halt by the end of the year.

Eurotunnel CEO Jacques Gounon confirmed that it would file an appeal of the CMA’s ruling, noting that the company “has a good chance to win” the case. The CMA ordered Eurotunnel to end its MyFerryLink services between Dover and Calais on the grounds it harmed competition.

Eurotunnel began operating on the route after acquiring assets from now-defunct Sea France. The former Competition Commission ruled that Eurotunnel’s acquisition harmed competition, though after an appeal, the Competition Tribunal ordered the Commission to reexamine its decision and decide whether Eurotunnel’s acquisition accounted for an acquisition of assets or an acquisition of business.

The CMA upheld the Commission’s original findings. Eurotunnel vowed to appeal, arguing that a cease in operations of the route would harm consumer choice and cut jobs, likely leading to higher prices.

Full content: Connexion France

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