NAIROBI, Kenya, May 7 – The Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) has approved the acquisition of Pollman’s Tours and Safaris Limited by Africa Travel Investments Limited.
In the proposed takeover, the acquirer will take over 100 percent of Pollman’s entire issued share capital.
Pollman’s, which was founded in the 1950s by Karl Pollman, offers safaris as well as sells travel packages globally. Travel Investment Limited (Africa Travel) is a company incorporated in Europe, which also offers safaris.
“This approval has been granted based on the finding that the transaction is unlikely to negatively impact competition in the market for tour operators in Kenya, nor elicit negative public interest concerns,” CAK wrote.
Kenya, being home to game parks and reserves such as Amboseli, Maasai Mara, and Tsavo, among others, annually attracts thousands of travelers from within and without the country’s borders for safaris.
Consequently, the country welcomed 2.5 million visitors last year with the government eyeing 7 million arrivals annually by 2027, as per President William Ruto.
Currently, Kenya’s tour operator market has 322 active players, who include the target, Bonfire Adventures, Bountiful Safaris, and Aanika Karibu Safaris Ltd., offering more business opportunities for investors.
