US Clears Southwest-AirTran Merger
by David Koenig
DALLAS (AP) - U.S. antitrust regulators cleared the way Tuesday for Southwest's purchase of AirTran Airways, saying the combination of two big discount airlines isn't likely to hurt competition.
The Justice Department said the airlines overlap on some nonstop routes, but it decided not to challenge the deal because competitors can get airport gates and landing slots on those routes.
Southwest, based in Dallas, plans to close the $1.4 billion purchase on Monday. The deal will immediately increase Southwest's size by one-fourth, although it will temporarily operate AirTran as a separate airline.
Latest Stories
- Final Illinois cannabis licensing case heads to court April 1; redacted identities could be revealed
- Marcus C. Evans Jr. Wins Democratic State Central Committee Seat, Expanding Leadership Role in the Illinois Democratic Party
- Yasmin Levy Brings “One More Night with Yasmin Levy” to Chicago on Her US Tour After 10 Years
- Developments Across McDonald’s cases Draw Attention to Franchise System Practices
- Clerk Mariyana T. Spyropoulos Hosts Women’s Safety Seminar to Equip Residents with Practical Safety Tools
Latest Podcast
We Are Our Own Medicine
