TCD Students Union / STA Travel Ltd [1999] IECA 541 (24th March, 1999)

TCD Students Union / STA Travel Ltd [1999] IECA 541 (24th March, 1999)

The agreement does not prevent, restrict or distort competition as students and staff remain free to avail of alternative travel services, and competitors are not prevented from soliciting business on campus. The exclusive right granted to STA Travel does not foreclose the market given the availability of alternative providers.

Citation
[1999] IECA 541
Parties
Applicant: Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU); Applicant: STA Travel Limited (STA Travel); Third Party: USIT Ireland Limited (USIT)
Jurisdiction
Ireland
Procedural Posture
Competition Authority Notification / Decision on Certificate Under Section 4 of the Competition Act, 1991
Outcome
certificate granted
Legal Topics
Exclusive Dealing, Vertical Restraints, Student Travel Services, Market Definition, Certificate Under Competition Act
Competition Law Exclusive Dealing Vertical Restraints Student Travel Services Market Definition Certificate Under Competition Act

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 2 Authorities cited 1 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 4
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU)

Applicant

STA Travel Limited (STA Travel)

Applicant

USIT Ireland Limited (USIT)

Third Party

Procedural Posture

Competition Authority Notification / Decision on Certificate Under Section 4 of the Competition Act, 1991

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the exclusive dealing agreement between TCDSU and STA Travel prevents, restricts or distorts competition within the meaning of Section 4(1) of the Competition Act, 1991.

Ratio Decidendi

The agreement does not prevent, restrict or distort competition as students and staff remain free to avail of alternative travel services, and competitors are not prevented from soliciting business on campus. The exclusive right granted to STA Travel does not foreclose the market given the availability of alternative providers.

Court Disposition

certificate granted

Orders

  • The Competition Authority certifies that the Agency and Exclusive Dealing Agreement between TCDSU and STA Travel Limited does not contravene Section 4(1) of the Competition Act, 1991.