OFT not pursuing an investigation

Least surprising news ever?

I must admit I didn't really expect to be using the 'Citybus Sell Off’ badge again but today I received a 'news item' which caught me unawares: The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) last night said it had decided against an investigation into the latest acquisition made by North East transport giant Go-Ahead. The Newcastle-headquartered company made a £20m swoop for southern bus operator Plymouth City Bus (PCB) in December. The plc had reportedly faced stiff competition from rival Stagecoach to complete the deal, while Plymouth City Council also received opposition from transport unions and local residents who were against the deal. However the OFT issued a statement last night to confirm that it would not be pursuing an investigation -in relation to the Enterprise Act 2002 - into the merger between Go-Ahead and PCB. bdaily Did anyone ever really expect an investigation into the takeover from the OFT? If Stagecoach had secured the deal to take control then I am sure it would have been investigated, but with Go-Ahead now owning Citybus, the competition for Plymouth passengers remains pretty much the same as before. Curious!

Further Reading Omnibuses: Utopia? not yet! TGP: Going nowhere First on Twitter / Facebook 26 Jan 2010 09:57 JANUARY SERVICE CHANGES: For details of all services changing in Devon & Cornwall during January please click here Citybus on Twitter / Facebook 26 Jan 2010 13:36 Due to another serious accident at Camels Head all St Budeaux services are diverted via Bridwell Road and Fleetmoor Road. Delays to services 43, 43A, 43B, 26, 29, 46, 47 are unfortunately inevitable. 15:33 Camels Head now open and all services returning to normal. They may be a few short delays as buses get back on to timetables