Qantas share price lower on ACCC investigation

In morning trade on Monday the Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) share price has hit a bit of turbulence.

At the time of writing the airline operator’s shares are down almost 2% to $3.92.

Why is the Qantas share price dropping lower?

This morning the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) announced that it is continuing to investigate the airline’s acquisition of a 19.9% stake in Alliance Aviation Services Ltd (ASX: AQZ).

The competition watchdog notes that Qantas acquired the stake last year, becoming Alliance’s single biggest shareholder.

This led to the ACCC issuing a statement of issues, which set out its competition concerns with the minority stake.

In response to queries by various stakeholders, this morning the ACCC provided the market with an update on its investigation.

ACCC Chair Rod Sims commented: “Qantas’ decision to complete the acquisition of the 19.9 per cent stake in Alliance without first seeking ACCC clearance means this is an enforcement investigation rather than a standard merger review.”

“The Australian aviation industry remains highly concentrated and it is crucial that competition provided by smaller airlines is maintained long-term,” he added.

As such, the competition watchdog is looking very closely at Qantas’ shareholding.

Mr Sims explained: “The ACCC has been closely scrutinising the effects of the acquisition of this shareholding by Qantas. Acquiring a strategic stake in a close competitor in such a concentrated market raises clear competition concerns.”

What now?

The ACCC’s investigation will now focus on the competitive dynamics between Qantas and Alliance. It will examine whether the stake affects Alliance’s ability to raise funds, consider takeovers, or participate in commercial ventures.

It will also look to see whether Qantas is attempting to exert influence on Alliance’s decision-making or operations.

“We will consider enforcement action if there is evidence that the Qantas shareholding is compromising Alliance’s ability to be a strong competitor to Qantas, now and in the future,” Mr Sims added.

The ACCC also revealed that it isn’t keen on Qantas increasing its stake further, as it has suggested it plans to do.

 “Our current view is that any further increase in Qantas’ stake in Alliance is very likely to raise significant competition concerns under the Competition and Consumer Act,” Mr Sims concluded.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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