But whats to say The Go-Ahead Group and Stagecoach havent already held discussions regarding a potential takeover of Stagecoachs North East Service Operations though if QCS was to be implemented in the near future, we have seen First takeover Western Greyhounds Operations, and Stagecoach/Stagecarriage takeover Leven Valleys Operation in the past month so what is to say the above cant happen.
We dont know what is going on behind closed doors now do we, I would imagine if an agreement is in place between both operators then that wouldnt be announced until after QCS is confirmed,
If GNE & SC or ANE or any combination of the 3 enter into any talks of a commercial nature, this would surely breach competition law. Authorities are waiting to jump on this kind of activity.
Commercial managers in many markets are now being directed to Not even attend social trade events e.g. Golf days,or trade association meetings, in order to avoid any comment that market info is discussed (operations, marketing, pricing, market segmentation, promotions etc..) If found guilty of breaching competition law penalty can be a fine of 10% of the Total Group's (Worldwide) Annual Turnover. - Should one of the parties report another (Whistleblow) then they will be exempt from prosecution.
"Article 102 (of the Treaty of Lisbon) prohibits the abuse of dominant position such as price discrimination and exclusive dealing" - IMO Many Routes and operators in the North East may fall into this area where no competition exists.
I guess NEBOA worked under strict observation as to not fall foul of this legislation.
ANE/GNE Ashington & Hexham depot & routes transfer did raise some issues as reported at the time