On 12 December, the European Commission announced the opening of an in-depth investigation under the EU Merger Regulation into the proposed acquisition of joint control over Terminal Catalunya (BEST) by Terminal Investment Limited (TIL) and Hutchison Ports.
The investigation will assess the potential impact of the transaction on competition in container terminal services at the Port of Barcelona and on the wider logistics market. The Commission will examine whether the proposed structure could affect customer choice, service quality or market dynamics.
The case illustrates the continued scrutiny of strategic investments in port terminals and highlights the importance of ensuring competitive, open and well-functioning port markets across the European Union.
