The Latvian competition authority, known as the Competition Council (KP), has approved the merger between Stena Line Scandinavia AB and SIA 'BALTREISS'. This decision allows Stena Line to gain sole decisive influence over Baltreiss, a company involved in cargo transportation.

Stena Line, registered in Sweden, operates passenger and freight ferry services, conducting over 25,000 voyages annually. It is part of the Stena Group, which encompasses various companies engaged in related sectors such as ferry operations, offshore drilling, and shipping.

On the other hand, Baltreiss is a Latvian company that specializes in cargo transportation, including international general cargo and industrial freight by road, as well as organizing Ro-Ro (Roll-On/Roll-Off) sea transport, cargo storage, stevedoring services, and customs clearance. Prior to the merger, Stena Line had joint decisive influence over Baltreiss, but post-merger, it will have sole control.

The merger participants operate in vertically related markets, with Baltreiss utilizing services from the Stena Group. The KP assessed the information provided by the companies and concluded that the merger would not significantly alter market structure, reduce competition, or create or strengthen a dominant position in the affected markets in Latvia.

To prevent significant reductions in competition due to mergers, the Competition Council requires approval for transactions that meet the criteria set out in the Competition Law. This ensures state control over market concentration, preventing structural changes that could limit consumer choices or lead to non-competitive pricing for goods and services.