Unconditional approval of SA hotel deal

The Competition Tribunal of South Africa (“Tribunal”) has unconditionally approved the merger of Southern Sun Hotel Interests (Pty) Ltd (“Southern Sun Hotel Interests”), which is a subsidiary of Tsogo Sun Holdings Limited, and The Cullinan Hotel (Pty) Ltd (“The Cullinan Hotel”).

The merger related to the provision of short-term hotel accommodation. Pre-merger, Southern Sun Hotel Interests held a 50% shareholding in The Cullinan Hotel and exercised joint control with Liberty Holdings Limited (“Liberty”) over The Cullinan Hotel. Southern Sun Hotel Interests acquired an additional 10% shareholding in the Cullinan Hotel from Liberty, thus increasing its shareholding in the joint venture to a majority interest of 60% and thereby acquiring sole control of The Cullinan Hotel.

The Tribunal approved the merger without any conditions.  Nortons Inc. represented Southern Sun Hotel Interests in this transaction.