Southwest Airlines and AirTran Holdings receive antitrust second request

Southwest Airlines and AirTran Holdings stated (09-Nov-2010) both carriers received a request on 08-Nov-2010 for additional information from the Antitrust Division of the US Department of Justice (DOJ) in connection with Southwest's proposed acquisition of AirTran. This second request action is a common part of the regulatory approval process under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act. Both parties are in the process of gathering information to respond to the second request and will continue to work cooperatively with the DOJ as it reviews the transaction. Completion of the transaction remains subject to the approval of AirTran stockholders, receipt of DOJ and any other necessary clearances, and fulfillment of customary closing conditions. While a definitive closing date cannot yet be determined, Southwest and AirTran expect the transaction will close in 1H2011. [more - Press Release] [more - SEC Filing]