Maersk Sealand to pull P&O Nedlloyd from European conferences

Maersk Sealand to pull P&O Nedlloyd from European conferences

Maersk Sealand will remove its future acquisition P&O Nedlloyd, from some of its existing conferences and consortia agreements involving Europe, if requested by European Union antitrust authorities.

   “The offer to withdraw is related only to some of the conferences and consortia involving Europe where Royal P&O Nedlloyd is represented and where Maersk Sealand is not currently a member,” Maersk Sealand said in a statement.

   “There are no present plans to make any changes to the conferences and consortia where Maersk Sealand and Royal P&O Nedlloyd are already both members, but it cannot be ruled out that further remedies will be demanded by the authorities,” added Maersk Sealand.

   The Danish group has so far purchased 44 percent of Royal P&O Nedlloyd’s capital ahead of the completion of its formal bid, which was launched June 13.

   Maersk Sealand also said it is considering a new brand name, while admitting it is uncertain whether liner services will be operated independently or remain in consortia.