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Jersey's competition regulator has approved a deal for Brittany Ferries to become the majority shareholder of Condor Ferries.

In August, Brittany Ferries announced its intention to buy 22% of the shares in Condor with an option to become the only shareholder in the future.

The French ferry firm already has a 29% stake in Condor, meaning this deal is set to take it to 51%.

The deal means that Brittany Ferries has assumed operational responsibility for Condor with immediate effect.

Christophe Mathieu, chief executive officer of Brittany Ferries and Condor Ferries, said this was a "good news story" for the Channel Islands as it would result in a "better service" for passengers.

He said: "I want to emphasise that our commitment to Condor and the islands is absolute and enduring.

"This is not a short-term arrangement. Brittany Ferries' philosophy will be integrated into passenger and freight management as part of a long-term strategy."

Condor Ferries is one of three bidders to run services for the Channel Islands, with a decision set to be announced on a new operator in October.

Condor was originally acquired in November 2019 by a consortium comprising Brittany Ferries and the London-based Columbia Threadneedle European Sustainable Infrastructure Fund.

Columbia Threadneedle continues to retain a minority shareholding.

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