ANEK Lines

Takeover of troubled ANEK by Attica Group is approved

The Competition Commission has unanimously approved the takeover of troubled ferry company ANEK Lines by Attica Group.

Attica Group will take on some €80 million in ANEK debt and will give the Cretan company's shareholders shares equal to an 11.5% stake in the group. After deliberating for 10 months, the commission decided that ANEK is a failing company.

Doubt cast on deal for ANEK Lines

Concern is growing among ferry operator ANEK Lines' employees, creditors and suppliers about the completion of its rescue by Attica Group, following indications that the Competition Commission will request commitments from Attica that may change the economic logic of the deal, thereby alienating the largest Greek ferry company from discussions on an agreement.

Small shipping firms fight for market share

Large passenger shipping companies no longer dominate the Greek market. According to a study by XRTC Business Consultants, the big players, Attica Group (which operates Blue Star, Super Fast and Hellenic Seaways), ANEK and Minoan Lines, accounted for 38 percent of sea passenger traffic in 2018, down from 57 percent in 2014.

Pages