Alaska AG office looking at proposed shipping merger

JUNEAU (AP) — The state is looking at whether the proposed merger of two shipping companies would constitute a monopoly in southeast Alaska and violate antitrust laws, the attorney general’s office said.

The office is studying the proposed purchase of Northland Services by Lynden Inc., the parent company of Alaska Marine Lines. Northland Services is a tug and barge carrier providing service between Alaska, Seattle and Hawaii.

Senior Assistant Attorney General Ed Sniffen said that while the companies operate throughout Alaska, it’s the portion of the proposed deal affecting southeast Alaska tha...