CCS consults on proposed acquisition by ADB BVBA of Safegate International AB

(View Media Release in PDF)

1.    The Competition Commission of Singapore (“CCS”) is conducting a public consultation from 29 June to 13 July 2015 to invite interested parties to provide feedback on the proposed acquisition by ADB BVBA (“ADB”) of Safegate International AB (“Safegate”) from Fairford Holdings Private AB (“Fairford”) (the “Proposed Transaction”).

2.    The notification for decision from ADB, Safegate and Fairford with regard to the Proposed Transaction was made on 23 June 2015.

3.    The notification is made under section 57 of the Competition Act (Cap. 50B) (“the Act”), which relates to section 54 of the Act prohibiting mergers that have resulted, or may be expected to result, in a substantial lessening of competition within any market in Singapore.

The Proposed Transaction

4.    The Proposed Transaction involves the proposed acquisition by ADB of 100 per cent of the shares of Safegate from Fairford.

5.    The Parties submit that they overlap in the supply of airfield lighting (“AFL”) systems or AFL products and services. ADB’s stable of brands for AFL systems includes: ADB, LUCEBIT and ERNI. Safegate’s stable of brands for AFL systems includes Safegate, Thorn and Idman.

6.    The Parties submit that the Proposed Transaction will not lead to a substantial lessening of competition in any market in Singapore, including, in particular, the market for the supply of AFL systems or products and services.

Public Consultation

7.    CCS is inviting public feedback in relation to the Proposed Transaction.

8.    More information on the public consultation can be accessed and downloaded from the CCS website at www.ccs.gov.sg under the section Public Register and Consultation. The closing date for submissions is on or before 13 July 2015. If the submission or correspondence contains confidential information, please also provide CCS with a non-confidential version of the submission or correspondence.

The Parties

ADB

9.    The ADB group of companies comprises world leading airfield technology companies specialising in end-to-end, integrated and sustainable solutions for visual guidance. The companies include ADB BVBA, LUCEBIT and ERNI AGL. The ADB Group’s focus is on supporting airports with their visual guidance or airfield ground lighting needs. It has a worldwide presence and experience spanning 68 years in AFL.

Safegate

10.    Safegate is a leading airside solutions business providing docking guidance and AFL equipment and software, gate management and air traffic ground control solutions to airports globally. Safegate’s solutions are developed in Finland, Denmark, France, and at its headquarters in Sweden. Safegate is wholly-owned by Fairford and ultimately wholly-owned by Fairford Holdings Limited, a private investment company owned by the Osseiran Family Trust.

About The Competition Commission of Singapore (CCS)

CCS is a statutory board established under the Competition Act (Chapter 50B) on 1 January 2005 to administer and enforce the Act. It comes under the purview of the Ministry of Trade and Industry. The Act empowers CCS to investigate alleged anti-competitive activities, determine if such activities infringe the Act and impose suitable remedies, directions and financial penalties.

For more information, please visit www.ccs.gov.sg.

For media clarifications, please contact:

Ms. Grace Suen
Assistant Director
Communications
Competition Commission of Singapore
Email: grace_suen@ccs.gov.sg
DID: 6325 8216/ 983 58601