Russian Federal Antimonopoly Service states Aeroflot merger not illegal

Russia's Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) stated the merger of several carriers' aviation assets with Aeroflot does not appear to violate anti-monopoly legislation (Itar-Tass/RosBusinessConsulting, 03-Feb-2010). However, the service stated it would continue to analyse the deal for the next two months, focusing on routes serviced by the carriers, which include Rossiya, Kavminvodyavia and Orenburg Airlines. Russian Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin, stated the merger was in line with the government's strategy to develop reliable and sustainable carriers that would be able to successfully compete internationally (en.rian.ru, 03-Feb-2010). Mr Putin reportedly added the plan for the merger would be completed by 1Q2010.