CMA Investigates Hays Travel Merger

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has initiated merger inquiries into Hays Travel Limited's completed acquisitions of Polka Dot Travel Limited and The Independent Travel Company Limited (trading as Millington Travel). The CMA has served initial enforcement orders on the parties involved and has set statutory deadlines for phase 1 decisions in April 2026. The investigation falls under the UK's competition law framework for mergers.

This action signifies a substantive regulatory review of the transactions. Hays Travel and the acquired companies must comply with the terms of the initial enforcement orders, which typically restrict further integration or divestment until the CMA's review is complete. Affected parties and interested third parties were invited to comment on the potential impact on competition in the UK market. Non-compliance with enforcement orders can lead to penalties.