Mr Grimaldi Confirms Interest in Attica if Put Up for Sale

By | 2021 Newsletter week 37 | No Comments

Following some news reported by Italian financial media (MF-MilanoFinanza), Emanuele Grimaldi confirmed to Ferry Shipping News the interest in Attica, in case the Greek ferry company will be put up for sale by Marfin Investment Group.

“It’s a widely known fact that our group looks at consolidating as much as possible the roro and ropax market, also in Greece. Therefore I can say that obviously we have an interest for Attica Group or for some of the lines operated,” said the Naples-based shipowner.

Taking over only some routes and vessels controlled by Attica (as it has happened with Trasmediterranea’s lines with the Balearic Islands) might be the right way to overcome potential limits from the antitrust authorities.

Mr Grimaldi also confirmed the Minoan participated as leading company, but with other players, in the privatisation process of the ports of Heraklion and Igoumenitsa.

Grimaldi Asks Italian Authorities to Stop Paying Public Subsidies to Tirrenia CIN

By | 2019 Newsletter week 26 | No Comments

Italy’s financial newspaper MF-MilanoFinanza revealed that, earlier this month, Grimaldi Group sent a petition to the local Transport Minister, the Antitrust Authority and the Court of Audit, asking for an early termination of the subsidies (EUR 72 million per year) paid to CIN Tirrenia by the Italian State.

This subsidy supports lifeline maritime transportation with Sardinia, Sicily and Tremiti Islands.

Grimaldi stated that the public subsidies should be stopped due to breach of the public contract following the case sentenced by the Italian Competition Authority for alleged abuse of dominant position in the freight business in Sardinia and the alleged deferred payments under the CIN-Tirrenia purchase agreement.

Onorato Armatori later replied that Grimaldi’s petition is based on “false information”.