The European Commission has launched an in-depth investigation into under the EU Merger Regulation to assess the proposed acquisition of joint control of Terminal Catalunya (Tercat) by the terminal operator Terminal Investment Limited Holding (TiL) of the shipping group Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), which is also owned by by GIP and GIC, and by the terminal operator Hutchison Ports which currently owns Tercat, the company that manages the container The Barcelona Europe South Terminal (BEST) at Muelle Prat of the port of Barcelona ( of 2 January 2024, 4 March and 14 April 2025). The investigation is aimed at ascertaining whether the transaction may result in an increase in prices or a reduction of the quality of terminal services for the sailing of MSC's competitors in the port of Barcelona,

The merger, which involves the acquisition from part of TiL of 50% of Tercat's capital with the remaining 50% that would remain in Hutchison Ports, has been notified to the Commission on 5 November. The Commission has until next April 30 to make a decision.