The CNMC has begun a detailed examination of DFDS's acquisition of exclusive control over specific assets of Armas, which is significant due to the companies' presence in the regular maritime transport market between the South Peninsula and Ceuta.

This acquisition is the fourth related to the sale of Armas's assets, following three previous notifications by Baleària. The CNMC's initial analysis raised concerns about increased market concentration, particularly affecting routes to Tánger and Ceuta.

In the Algeciras–Tánger Med route, the combination of DFDS's and Baleària's operations could reduce the number of competing shipping companies from four to three, while in the Algeciras–Ceuta route, DFDS would become the second operator after Baleària, following Armas's exit.

The CNMC highlighted that this acquisition could lead to unilateral and coordinated effects on competition, especially in the Algeciras - Ceuta route, where DFDS would face Baleària alone. The authority emphasized that the disappearance of Armas as a potential bidder under public service obligations raises further competition concerns.

As a result, the CNMC has deemed a more thorough analysis necessary, and the transition to the second phase does not imply any conclusions about the operation. The authority may request additional information from the parties involved, and interested third parties can submit their arguments to protect their interests. The final decision could authorize, impose commitments, condition the operation, or prohibit the concentration.