The Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) has approved the proposed acquisition of the entire shareholding in Pollman’s Tours and Safaris by Africa Travel Investments for an undisclosed amount.

Incorporated in Europe, Africa Travel does not have any commercial activities in Kenya, while Pollman’s Tours and Safaris Limited is among the oldest players in the tours sector in Kenya having been established in 1950. It specializes in providing guided safaris and sells travel packages globally.

The proposed transaction involves the acquisition of 100 percent of Pollman’s shares by Africa Travel as the European company seeks to maximise the local company’s potential.

According to the watchdog, the post-merger between the two firms will not affect the market share as well as the structure and concentration of the markets for tour operators in Kenya.

“Therefore, the structure and concentration of the markets for tour operators in Kenya will not be affected, and as such, the transaction does not raise competition concerns,” the competition watchdog said in a statement on Wednesday.

CAK also affirmed that the proposed transaction will not lead to substantial lessening or prevention of competition in the markets for tour operators in Kenya.

“As per the parties’ submissions, this transaction is not expected to raise public interest concerns. Specifically, with regards to employment, the parties have submitted that the proposed transaction is not anticipated to lead to the loss of any jobs,” added CAK.

However, the acquisition which will lead to a merger is expected to give the European firm commercial access to the local tour market which has at least 322 players.

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