The antitrust regulator said Monday it has decided to give conditional approval to shipping company HD Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Eengineering Co.’s acquisition of a controlling stake in STX Heavy Industries Co.

In July 2023, the shipping company signed a contract with a private equity firm to buy shares in STX Heavy, a major marine engines and parts manufacture, to become its largest shareholder by holding a 35.05 percent stake.

“We judged that the deal could hinder fair competition in the domestic marine engine market, so that we’ve decided to approve the merger on conditions that the shipping company take corrective measures,” the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) said.

The measures include banning the refusal of supply requests for crankshafts, a pivotal engine component for vessels, and banning the postponement in supplies; ensuring the minimum volume of supply and limiting the increase in prices, which will be in effect for three years.

“The three-year period can be extended if needed given the ma
rket circumstances,” the FTC said.

Source: Yonhap News Agency