SNCM, which was placed in receivership last November, for an observation period of six months, could be saved from compulsory liquidation. Possible buyers could save Société Nationale Maritime Corse Méditerranée from being placed in compulsory liquidation and ensure the future of its 1 700 employees. This morning at 11 a.m., the deadline for submitting takeovers expired.
A first takeover file filed
Daniel Berebbi, a French shipowner and owner of Baja Ferries, residing in the United States, has filed an official takeover application. Seriously, it will nevertheless be accompanied by a social plan to try and save the company. Only 750 employees would be saved but all the public service routes between Marseille and Corsica would be taken over. On this last point, Brussels has been firm.
Two new offers are being added
Christian Garin, former president of the Port of Marseille and of the French Shipowners' Union would have "brought together a round table with European capital", according to Les Echos. He would thus be the 2 th candidate to submit a resumption file. However, it would carry out an overall takeover of SNCM's annual activity, which would not be appropriate for the State which wishes to achieve 'discontinuity' with the current organisation.
The third takeover offer comes from the Italian CNG shipowner, already established in the Mediterranean since 1992. These two new offers have not yet been officially confirmed.
Tendering deadline extended?
Rumours are currently circulating about the extension of the deadline for the call for tenders. This could give a chance to other bidders to come forward, but would it also be a way to show that these files are not enough?
