The Competition Commission originally ruled BAA, an airport management firm owned by the Spanish company Ferrovial, would have to divest itself of airports in either Gatwick or Stansted, both near London, and either Edinburgh or Glasgow, both in Scotland, The Times of London reported Monday.
BAA sold its stake in Gatwick during the summer, in part to raise needed cash. But it appealed the order to break up the remainder of its holdings, which was based on a conclusion the extensive holdings had resulted in poor service for customers.
In Monday's decision, the Competition Appeal Tribunal said it reversed the commission's ruling with "the greatest reluctance," as it was forced to agree with BAA's assertion the previous ruling was made with "apparent bias."
BAA argued the ruling to divest its holdings was made by a panel that included Peter Mozier, who was also advising a pension fund that had an interest in bidding on Gatwick, should the business become available.
Copyright 2009 by United Press International.
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