Fraikin/Via Location

In September 2020, the French competition authority (FCA) conditionally approved the acquisition of Via Location by Fraikin. The parties are active in the short and long-term rental of dry and refrigerated commercial and industrial vehicles in Europe. The FCA analyzed the competitive effects of the transaction and concluded that there was a risk of significant competitive harm on local French markets where post-merger there would be insufficient alternatives for the rental of certain types of vehicles. During the Phase I investigation, the Parties offered the divestment of a limited number of agencies and vehicles, which was deemed sufficient to overcome the FCA's concerns in local markets.

Compass Lexecon assisted during the merger proceedings before the FCA. We assessed competitive effects on a local level, based on travel distances and actual footprints. We also analyzed the potential coordinated effects of the transaction. Our analyses were submitted as notes to the FCA. Our team also assisted with the responses to several Requests For Information (RFIs) from the FCA and with the proposed remedy package to address residual local concerns.

The Compass Lexecon team led by David Sevy included Thibaut de Bernard and Alexandre Nouvel. We worked with Jacques-Philippe Gunther, Mathilde Saltiel, Laure Maes, and Amine Mansour from Latham & Watkins.