CAK approves Pollman’s Tours buyout by European company

The Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) has unconditionally approved the proposed acquisition of the entire shareholding in Pollman’s Tours and Safaris by Africa Travel Investments.

Africa Travel is incorporated in Europe and does not have any commercial activities in Kenya, while Pollman’s, incorporated in Kenya, provides guided safaris and travel packages to travel agents and tour operators.

The proposed transaction involves the acquisition of 100% of Pollman’s shares by Africa Travel as the European company seeks to maximise the Kenyan tour company’s potential.

CAK noted that post-merger, Pollman’s’ and Africa Travel’s market share will not change as Pollman’s and Africa Travel are not in a similar business.

“Therefore, the structure and concentration of the markets for tour operators in Kenya will not be affected, and as such, the transaction does not raise competition concerns,” the competition watchdog said in a statement on Wednesday.

“It is the Authority’s view that the proposed transaction will not lead to a substantial lessening or prevention of competition in the markets for tour operators in Kenya.”

According to the Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO), the local tour operators market has 322 active players, among them Pollman’s, Bonfire Adventures, and Bountiful Safaris, among others.