Michigan Sues Operator of Mackinac Island Ferry Companies, Alleging It's a Monopoly
The suit says Hoffmann used acquisitions to control ferry service and parking, raising fares and fees while threatening to suspend service.
- On Thursday, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel filed an antitrust lawsuit against the Hoffmann Family of Companies, alleging the private equity firm unlawfully monopolized passenger ferry and parking services essential to reaching Mackinac Island.
- Hoffmann gained control of every ferry line and commercial dock serving the island through acquisitions in 2022 and 2024, eliminating all competition in a market that historically supported three separate ferry operators.
- The state alleges Hoffmann raised prices, with premium dockside parking reaching $75 per night, and threatened to suspend ferry services if city officials refused fare hikes, holding the island's economy "hostage," according to the lawsuit.
- Despite a November 3 voter mandate authorizing city regulation of ferry and parking fees, Hoffmann stated it is "confident we will prevail" against the state's antitrust claims in court.
- Nessel seeks structural remedies, potentially forcing Hoffmann to sell ferry assets to restore market competition, while Attorney General-elect Eli Savit has pledged to continue the litigation upon taking office in January.
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Attorney General Nessel sues to end Mackinac Island ferry monopoly
LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has filed an antitrust lawsuit as she wants to break up the alleged monopoly by the Hoffman Family of Companies on the Mackinac Island ferry service. The complaint was filed in Ingham County Circuit Court accusing the company of eliminating competition by buying Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry and the Mackinac Island Ferry Company. The Florida-based company bought Shepler’s in 2022…
Michigan sues operator of Mackinac Island ferry companies, alleging it's a monopoly
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has filed a lawsuit against the owners of the two Mackinac Island ferry companies, alleging the monopolized the market for transportation to the island.
The Herald Palladium
Michigan AdvanceNessel launches antitrust lawsuit against Mackinac ferry operator, alleging monopoly
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has filed an antitrust lawsuit against the Hoffmann Family of Companies, a Florida-based private equity firm, which currently owns all of the passenger ferries that serve Mackinac Island. Nessel’s office alleges that the company’s acquisitions…
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