Singapore regulator begins in-depth review on Grab's acquisition of Trans-cab

The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) on Wednesday (Jan 31) said it has commenced an in-depth review of the proposed acquisition of Trans-cab, Singapore's third-largest taxi operator, by ride-hailing company Grab Holdings' unit.

Nasdaq-listed Grab had in July announced its intention to acquire Trans-cab in a deal including a combined taxi and private-hire-vehicle fleet of more than 2,500 vehicles owned by Trans-cab.

The review is underway after the parties submitted necessary documents to the CCCS on Jan 25, following the regulator's comment expressing inability to confirm that the deal would not pose competition concerns.

"Upon completion of the review, the CCCS will decide whether to issue a favourable or an unfavourable decision on the proposed acquisition," the CCCS said in a statement.

The commission found that Grab's proposed two-year duration to address competition concerns raised by CCCS was inadequate. Further, it said that Grab's self-policing monitoring mechanism was insufficient.

The regulator said during the review, Grab is allowed to propose revised commitments that would address the concerns raised.

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