DFDS has finally obtained clearance by the Turkish competition authorities for a possible acquisition of Ekol Logistics’ international road transport activities, an announcement reads.

DFDS announced mulling the acquisition in October last year, and following the pre-approval from the Turkish authorities, DFDS can now continue negotiations with Ekol to buy the international road haulage activities out of the Turkish transport and logistics group.

This is quite a large company, as Ekol’s international operations generated revenue of more than DKK 4bn (USD 591m) last year.

Plans now include a due diligence process to finalize the terms of the transaction, including the purchase price, subject to board approval, DFDS says.

As part of the pre-approval from the Turkish competition authorities, DFDS has had to make certain commitments in relation to the continued access for all carriers to DFDS’ ferry routes to and from Turkey.