Brittany Ferries has officially become the part-owner of Condor Ferries.

The deal, announced last year, had been subject to scrutiny by competition authorities.

But following their green light at the end of January, and work to complete the transition in February, the sale has now been finalised.

Both companies operate from the Port of Poole.

Christophe Mathieu, Chief Executive Officer, Brittany Ferries, pictured left, said: “This is excellent news for Brittany Ferries, our new partners and for Condor Ferries.

“We are committed to working closely in the months and years to come to ensure the best level of service to customers and support to our friends and colleagues in the Channel Islands.

“This will be business as usual for Condor, but within a new ownership structure.”

Brittany Ferries is the minority shareholder in the company.

Last November, Columbia Threadneedle European Sustainable Infrastructure Fund and Brittany Ferries reached an agreement with Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets for the acquisition of 100 per cent of Condor Ferries.

Condor Ferries is an operator of lifeline freight and passenger ferry services.

Each year, Condor Ferries carries approximately 1m passengers, 200,000 passenger vehicles, and over 900,000 freight lane meters between Guernsey, Jersey, the UK and the Port of St Malo in France.

Brittany Ferries began operations in 1973.

Today its fleet includes 12 ships connecting France, the UK, Ireland and Spain.

It operates from three ports in the UK – Portsmouth, Poole and Plymouth – and carries around 2.5m passengers every year, as well as 210,000 freight units.