French ferry operator Brittany Ferries has announced it is intending to become the main shareholder in Channel Islands operator Condor, pending approval of the takeover from Jersey and Guernsey regulators.

Condor, which runs passenger and freight services from the Channel Islands to the UK and France, is facing competition for its contract

Condor lost £1.5million in the 2022-2023 financial year, according to accounts filed at UK Companies House.

Last December, the company said it was working to overcome a “temporary but challenging time” but dismissed rumours it was entering administration,.

Earlier this year CEO John Napton stepped down with Brittany Ferries CEO Christophe Mathieu adding responsibility for Condor to his job.

When he spoke to us in May, he was keen to stress a permanent 'bridging' of the two ferry businesses.  Brittany Ferries has test-berthed both its Barfleur and Bretagne vessels in St Helier and St Peter Port harbours with a view to using BF ships on its CI routes this winter.

After regulatory approval in the Channel Islands, Brittany Ferries will own 51% of Condor, with the remaining shares held by Columbia Threadneedle retaining a minority shareholding.

Christophe Mathieu, CEO of Brittany Ferries and Condor Ferries says:

"Brittany Ferries has the experience, expertise and scale, along with extensive knowledge of the transport sector and customer service to implement best practices, which ultimately will result in a better service for Condor’s passengers.

“This change demonstrates our commitment to the Islands, shows Brittany Ferries is adding strength and depth to the existing team and delivers continuity and resilience in the long term.

“We believe we operate exactly the right fleet for the Islands: a mix of conventional freight and passenger ferries for lifeline freight and travel for Islanders, alongside the high-speed vessels that are essential for supporting the visitor economies of Jersey and Guernsey.”

Condor is facing competition for the long-term operating agreement to run ferry links in the Channel Islands from Danish firm DFDS with the successful bidder expected to be announced in the autumn.