Bouygues and Equans Merger Accepted by CMA

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27 September 2022

The Competition and Markets Authority has confirmed that it will not refer the merger of Bouygues and EQUANS to a Phase 2 review.

The competition regulator has been investigating the deal after concerns were raised when both businesses offered services to supply HS2 with Overhead Catenary Systems (OCS) as part of a competitive tender. The tender concerned EQUANS subsidiaries SPL Powerlines UK Limited and INEO (acting together as Rapide JV) and Bouygues-owned Colas Rail.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) felt that this may constitute a reduction in competition, potentially resulting in a higher-cost final contract.

In August 2022, both companies submitted proposals to “remedy competition concerns”.  These proposals, including the appointment of an independent third-party assessor, have been accepted by CMA.

For more context on this story, you can read more at the links below:

• Bouygues Submits Offer for Engie’s Equans
• Concerns Raised for Bouygues and Equans HS2 Bid
• Bouygues and Equans Offer Proposals to Address CMA’s HS2 Contract Concerns
• Bouygues and Equans to Withdraw One of Their HS2 Bids

Picture: a photograph of piles of paperwork. Image Credit: Unsplash

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 27 September 2022

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