The CA began investigating in November 2024 over concerns that SAS’s investment in Moby—alongside its ownership of GNV—reduced competition on ferry routes between Italy, Sardinia, Corsica, Sicily, and Elba, markets already dominated by Moby and GNV.

The Aponte family entered Moby in 2022, acquiring a 49% stake for EUR 150 million and providing a EUR 243 million loan under a 2023 deal. MSC later purchased the two Moby ferries, MOBY VINCI and SHARDEN, for EUR 109 million and had the option to acquire the remaining 51%.

Under the settlement, SAS will transfer its 49% stake back to the Onorato family without payment, forfeit rights to the remaining shares, and compensate Moby customers. Moby must also repay the Aponte family loan through a restructuring plan involving asset sales and charter-back agreements to maintain service continuity.

The ruling is viewed as a victory for the Grimaldi Group, which had challenged the deal on competition grounds. Moby said the agreement would support debt reduction, business refocusing, and improved financial stability, though it expects to consolidate services—particularly in Sardinia—while prioritizing larger vessels and customer service.

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