Bulgarian Airways Group, the majority shareholder of Bulgaria’s national carrier Bulgaria Air, has notified the Commission on Protection of Competition (CPC) of its intention to acquire sole control over Silver Wings Bulgaria, a local aviation catering company. The CPC announced the filing in a statement published last week, noting that the proposed concentration may have an impact on the market for aviation catering services in Bulgaria. (SeeNews)
Under Bulgarian merger control rules, interested third parties have a seven-day period to submit comments on the transaction.
According to data from the commercial register, Bulgarian Airways Group currently holds a 42.5% stake in Silver Wings Bulgaria. The company operates as a joint venture between Bulgarian Airways Group, German airline catering group LSG Sky Chefs, and Dubai-based Dubai National Air Travel Agency (Dnata).
Silver Wings Bulgaria OOD is primarily engaged in airline catering and restaurant management. Its headquarters and registered office are located at 138 Mimi Balkanska Street in Sofia’s Slatina district. The company conducts its core operations from a purpose-built catering facility owned by Silver Wings Bulgaria, which has been constructed and equipped in line with the latest international standards for aviation catering.
In addition to in-flight catering, Silver Wings Bulgaria operates two fast-food outlets located at Lufthansa Technik Sofia Ltd. and DHL Express Bulgaria Ltd. The company provides catering services to a broad range of airline customers, including Bulgaria Air, British Airways, Air France, Lufthansa, Wizz Air, and Qatar Airways. It also serves the Bulgarian government’s Air Force 28 unit, as well as the majority of charter and business flights operating to and from Sofia and Plovdiv airports.
Bulgaria Air AD, the country’s flag carrier, is a joint stock company wholly owned by Bulgarian Airways Group, following its privatisation in 2007. While the state no longer holds a majority stake, the Bulgarian government retains a “golden share” granting specific rights. Bulgaria Air maintains partnerships with multiple international aviation companies and holds a range of industry certifications, including IATA membership, IOSA safety certification, and approvals under Part-145 and Part-M for aircraft technical maintenance.
The CPC’s review will determine whether the transaction raises competition concerns in the aviation catering services market, particularly given the vertical links between airline operations and catering provision.