Michigan AG Sues Hoffmann Companies Over Alleged Mackinac Island Ferry Monopoly
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced in Lansing on November 12 that she has filed an antitrust lawsuit against the Hoffmann Family of Companies and affiliated entities, alleging they unlawfully monopolized passenger ferry transportation to Mackinac Island and the long-term parking services essential to reaching the destination. The suit seeks to restore competition and asks the court for structural remedies, including potential divestiture of ferry and parking assets.
Ferry service to Mackinac Island was historically offered by multiple competing businesses. Hoffmann, a Florida-based private equity firm, acquired a controlling stake in one of only two active ferry lines in 2022 and the other in 2024, gaining control of every passenger ferry line and commercial dock serving the island and nearly all long-term parking near the mainland terminals in Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, operated through its Hoffmann Marine division.
The Attorney General alleges Hoffmann used that power to raise fares above competitive levels, impose new fees, eliminate discounts and passes relied on by island residents and workers, charge for previously free parking, and suspend some services and benefits. The lawsuit, filed in the 30th Circuit Court for Ingham County, alleges monopolization, unlawful agreements in restraint of trade and unjust enrichment, and also seeks disgorgement of monopoly profits, damages for overcharges and civil penalties.
Nessel said Hoffmann bought its monopoly by acquiring all of its potential rivals rather than earning it through better service or lower prices, and that when the Mackinac Island City Council tried to rein the company in, Hoffmann threatened to cease all ferry service. The release notes Hoffmann owns more than 116 parcels of land and 51 buildings in the Straits of Mackinac region, both newspapers covering the island, a sightseeing cruise company, a shipyard and a private yacht dock. Mackinac Island Mayor Margaret Doud said in an accompanying statement that more than 1.5 million people travel to the island each year.
(Source: Michigan Attorney General)
Source: Michigan Attorney General
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：Mackinac Island Ferry Company 旗下的 Mackinac Express 号渡轮。GSM 资料图。 / Photo: The Mackinac Express ferry of the Mackinac Island Ferry Company. GSM archive photo.
