Regulatory approval process continues for Alaska Air Group and Virgin America

Alaska Air Group and Virgin America announced that each carrier has received a request for additional information from the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) in connection with Alaska’s proposed acquisition of Virgin America. Alaska and Virgin America have been cooperating fully with regulators since the announcement of the proposed acquisition. A “Second Request,” which is a standard part of the DOJ review process, extends the period that the parties must wait to close the transaction, until 30 days after Alaska and Virgin America have complied with the information request (or the waiting period is otherwise terminated by the DOJ). Alaska and Virgin America will be responding promptly.The two airlines are confident that they will obtain regulatory approval and complete their pro-competitive and pro-consumer transaction no later than January 1, 2017. The proposed acquisition is also subject to approval of Virgin America’s shareholders in addition to the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions, including expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act.