Description of Activities

Description: The Commission resolved to approve with local beneficiation conditions the acquisition by Namibia Expeditions Spain (Propriety) Limited of shares in Namibia Exclusive Safaris (Propriety) Limited. 

Acquiring group: The primary acquiring undertaking is Namibia Exclusive Safaris (Propriety) Limited, registered as a special purpose vehicle for purposes of this merger. The acquiring group is involved in consulting, finance, and real estate in Spain. 

Target undertaking: The primary target undertaking, Namibia Exclusive Safaris (Propriety) Limited, is involved in tour and safari operations, shuttles and transfers, accommodation (lodges and campsites), and all tourism-related activities. The target undertaking is an operator of four concessions in different communal land areas being: Xaudum Lodge located in Khaudum National Park in the Kavango-East Region; Omatendeka Lodge located in Kunene-North Region; Sheya Shuushona Lodge, located in the Omusati Region; and Sorris-Sorris Lodge, located in the Kunene-South Region in Namibia.

Relevant market: The Secretariat, looking at the type of merger, concluded that it is not necessary to definitively conclude on the relevant product market definition since there are no overlaps or vertical integration between the merging parties’ activities. 

Merger Determination

The Commission has found the proposed transaction unlikely to result in the prevention or substantial lessening of competition but does raise public interest concerns, particularly regarding local beneficiation. Thus, the Commission approved the merger subject to local beneficiation conditions. These conditions are that the benefits to the community must continue in accordance with the agreements with the concession community for the four lodges.