top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Eurotunnel attacks bid to buy ferries

Chunnel firm objects to LD Lines and DFDS Seaways consortium's plan to save SeaFrance from foundering

EUROTUNNEL has attacked plans by ferry companies LD Lines and DFDS Seaways to buy up foundering French ferry firm SeaFrance, saying that the move would be anti-competitive.

It is a new blow for the SNCF-owned subsidiary which runs services between Calais and Dover. Last week the European Commission rejected a planned funding boost for the company as it contained state aid.

LD Lines and DFDS already run cross-Channel services and Eurotunnel objected that their plans to buy three of the four SeaFrance ferries would reduce competition and create an unacceptable advantage, especially as the bid would be backed by state funds.

Now only two takeover bids are still in for SeaFrance: from the LD/DFDS consortium and one from a workers' cooperative. A final decision is expected on November 16.

The LD/DFDS bid would see the nearly half of the 880 SeaFrance jobs cut. With only 460 in the new group and 80 more being offered work within LD Lines and DFDS Seaways.

All jobs would be retained in the cooperative bid, which has been backed by the main SeaFrance staff union CFDT. The bid sees the firm's fleet of four ships being bought for a token €1 and unnamed investors putting in up to €80 million to fund the project.

If neither bid is accepted SeaFrance will go into liquidation.

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Income Tax in France 2023 (for 2022 income)*
Featured Help Guide
- Primarily aimed at Britons, covers pensions, rent, ISAs, shares, savings and interest - but also contains significant general information pertinent to readers of other nationalities - Overview of online declarations + step-by-step guide to the French printed forms - Includes updates given automatically after this year's site opened
Get news, views and information from France