Jefferson Partners, L.P. dba Jefferson Lines-Acquisition of Control-Karst Stage, Inc., 11868-11870 [2025-03931]

Download as PDF ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 11868 Federal Register / Vol. 90, No. 47 / Wednesday, March 12, 2025 / Notices Thursday, March 27, 2025, both inperson at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, DC, and via teleconference through Microsoft Teams. The primary purpose of the meeting is to prepare for the eighty-third session of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83) to be held in London, United Kingdom, from Monday, April 7, 2025, to Friday, April 11, 2025. Members of the public may participate up to the capacity of the teleconference line, which will handle 500 participants, or up to the seating capacity of the room if attending inperson. The agenda items to be considered include: —Adoption of the agenda —Decisions of other bodies —Consideration and adoption of amendments to mandatory instruments —Harmful aquatic organisms in ballast water —Air pollution prevention —Energy efficiency of ships —Reduction of GHG emissions from ships —Follow-up work emanating from the Action Plan to Address Marine Plastic Litter from Ships —Experience-building phase for the reduction of underwater radiated noise from shipping —Pollution prevention and response —Reports of other sub-committees —Identification and protection of Special Areas, ECAs and PSSAs —Application of the Committees’ method of work —Work programme of the Committee and subsidiary bodies —Election of the Chair and Vice Chair for 2026 —Any other business —Consideration of the report of the Committee Please note: The IMO may, on short notice, adjust the MEPC 83 agenda to accommodate any constraints associated with the meeting. Although no changes to the agenda are anticipated, if any are necessary, they will be provided to those who RSVP. Those who plan to participate should contact the meeting coordinator, LCDR Emily K. Rowan at emily.k.rowan@ uscg.mil, by phone at (202) 372–1376, or in writing at 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE, Stop 7509, Washington, DC 20593–7509 no later than March 21, 2025, 6 days prior to the meeting. Requests made after March 21, 2025, might not be able to be accommodated. The meeting coordinator will provide VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:07 Mar 11, 2025 Jkt 265001 the teleconference information, facilitate the building security process, and handle requests for reasonable accommodation. Please note that due to security considerations, two valid, government issued photo identifications must be presented to gain entrance to the Douglas A. Munro Coast Guard Headquarters Building at St. Elizabeth’s. This building is accessible by taxi, public transportation, and privately owned conveyance (upon advanced request). This announcement might appear in the Federal Register less than 15 days prior to the meeting. The Department of State finds that there is an exceptional circumstance in that this advisory committee meeting must be held on March 27, due to the fact that the IMO meeting date is firm, and it is important for the Department to obtain the views of the public prior to the meeting. Additional information regarding this and other IMO public meetings may be found at: https://www.dco.uscg.mil/ IMO. (Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2656 and 5 U.S.C. 552) Leslie W. Hunt, Coast Guard Liaison Officer, Office of Ocean and Polar Affairs, Department of State. [FR Doc. 2025–03885 Filed 3–11–25; 8:45 am] individual assigned as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Professional and Cultural Exchanges, unless sooner revoked. This delegation of authority does not supersede or otherwise affect any other delegation of authority currently in effect. Any reference in this delegation of authority to any statute or delegation of authority shall be deemed to be a reference to such statute or delegation of authority as amended from time to time. This delegation shall be published in the Federal Register. Dated: March 4, 2025. Darren J. Beattie, Senior Bureau Official, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State. [FR Doc. 2025–03928 Filed 3–11–25; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4710–05–P SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD [Docket No. MCF 21130] Jefferson Partners, L.P. dba Jefferson Lines—Acquisition of Control—Karst Stage, Inc. Surface Transportation Board. Notice Tentatively Approving and Authorizing Finance Transaction. AGENCY: ACTION: BILLING CODE 4710–09–P On January 22, 2025, Jefferson Partners, L.P., dba Jefferson Lines (Jefferson), an interstate passenger motor carrier, submitted an application for authority to acquire and operate the assets of another interstate passenger motor carrier, Karst Stage, Inc. (Karst). The Board is tentatively approving and authorizing this transaction. If no opposing comments are timely filed, this notice will be the final Board action. DATES: Comments must be filed by April 28, 2025. If any comments are filed, Jefferson may file a reply by May 12, 2025. If no opposing comments are filed by April 28, 2025, this notice shall be effective on April 29, 2025. ADDRESSES: Comments, referring to Docket No. MCF 21130, may be filed with the Board either via e-filing on the Board’s website or in writing addressed to: Surface Transportation Board, 395 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20423–0001. In addition, send one copy of comments to Jefferson’s representative: Richard P. Schweitzer, Richard P. Schweitzer, P.L.L.C., 1717 K Street NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jonathon Binet at (202) 245–0368. If you require an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please call (202) 245–0245. SUMMARY: DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Delegation of Authority No. 574] Delegation of Authority; Delegation of the Functions and Authorities Relating to Immunity From Judicial Seizure By virtue of the authorities of the Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs vested in me pursuant to Delegation of Authority No. 573–29, dated February 1, 2025, in accordance with Delegation of Authority No. 236– 3, dated August 28, 2000, and to the extent permitted by law, I hereby authorize Chris Miner to exercise the functions and authorities in 22 U.S.C. 2459, concerning immunity from judicial seizure for cultural objects imported into the United States for temporary storage, conservation, scientific research, exhibition or display. Any functions or authorities covered by this delegation may also be exercised by the Secretary, the Deputy Secretary, the Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources, the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, and the Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs. This delegation of authority will terminate upon the entry on duty of an PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\12MRN1.SGM 12MRN1 Federal Register / Vol. 90, No. 47 / Wednesday, March 12, 2025 / Notices The application 1 states that Jefferson Partners, L.P., is a limited partnership that operates as a motor carrier of passengers under the name Jefferson Lines. (Appl. 1.) Jefferson’s principal place of business in Minneapolis, Minn. (Id.) According to the application, Jefferson provides regular route service in 14 states from its Minneapolis location. (Id. at 2.) Jefferson also provides charter bus service originating in Minneapolis and Billings, Mont.2 (Id.) The application states that Karst’s principal place of business is in Bozeman, Mont. (Id.) Karst holds interstate authority to carry passengers 3 and currently provides charter bus service from Bozeman to locations throughout the United States. (Id.) The application explains that, in this transaction, Jefferson will purchase and hold all of Karst’s assets. (Id. at 3.) The application states that Jefferson has established a new company, Karst Stage, LLC, that will operate the assets acquired from Karst and employ Karst’s former employees. (Id. at 2–3.) According to the application, Jefferson has obtained interstate passenger motor carrier authority for Karst Stage, LLC, which will become a carrier after the transaction.4 (Id. at 2.) After the transaction, Jefferson and Karst Stage, LLC, will operate as separate entities but plan to integrate and share certain management functions. (Id. at 3.) 5 Under 49 U.S.C. 14303(b), the Board must approve and authorize a transaction that it finds consistent with the public interest, taking into consideration at least (1) the effect of the proposed transaction on the adequacy of ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 1 The application was supplemented on February 11, 2025. Therefore, for purposes of determining the procedural schedule and statutory deadlines, the filing date of the application is February 11, 2025. See 49 CFR 1182.4(a). 2 Further information, including Jefferson’s U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) numbers, motor carrier numbers, and USDOT safety fitness ratings, can be found in the application. (Id. at 2, 10.) 3 Further information about Karst, including its USDOT number, motor carrier number, and USDOT safety fitness rating, can be found in the application. (Id. at 2, 10.) 4 Karst Stage, LLC’s motor carrier number can be found in the application. (Appl. 2.) Its USDOT number can be found in Jefferson’s request for interim approval. Req. for Interim Approval i, Jefferson Partners, L.P.—Acquis. of Control—Karst Stage, Inc., MCF 21130 TA. The application states that after consummation of the transaction, it is expected that Karst’s motor carrier operating authority will be withdrawn. (Id. at 3 n.1.) 5 In Jefferson Partners, L.P.—Acquisition of Control—Karst Stage, Inc., MCF 21130 TA (STB served Feb. 21, 2025), the Board authorized Jefferson to operate Karst’s assets on an interim basis under 49 U.S.C. 14303(i) and 49 CFR 1182.7(b). VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:07 Mar 11, 2025 Jkt 265001 transportation to the public, (2) the total fixed charges resulting from the proposed transaction, and (3) the interest of affected carrier employees. Jefferson has submitted the information required by 49 CFR 1182.2, including information demonstrating that the proposed transaction is consistent with the public interest under 49 U.S.C. 14303(b), see 49 CFR 1182.2(a)(7), and a jurisdictional statement under 49 U.S.C. 14303(g) that the aggregate gross operating revenues of the involved carriers exceeded $2 million during the 12-month period immediately preceding the filing of the application, see 49 CFR 1182.2(a)(5). Jefferson asserts that granting the application would be consistent with the public interest. (Appl. at 5.) According to the application, the proposed transaction will ensure continued service to Karst’s existing customer base with no reduction in current service levels. (Id. at 6.) The application states that the proposed transaction will not result in significant operational changes and that merging the operations of Jefferson and Karst Stage, LLC, under a single corporate umbrella will allow both carriers to engage in economies of scale. (Id.) After the transaction, Jefferson plans to share several management functions with Karst Stage, LLC, including administration, safety management, human resources, accounting, and payroll. (Id. at 3.) Jefferson states that combining these functions will increase efficiency for both companies. (Id. at 6.) The application also states that the proposed transaction will result in better financial terms that will facilitate the replacement of aging vehicles with newer, more efficient equipment. (Id.) Thus, Jefferson contends that the transaction will result in economies of scale, management efficiencies, and improved financial terms. (Id.) According to the application, Jefferson seeks to leverage these benefits to grow the businesses of both carriers, potentially improving the level of transportation available to the public. (Id.) Jefferson anticipates that this transaction could ultimately reduce the overall fixed charges for financing equipment acquisitions. (Id. at 7.) According to the application, the transaction will strengthen Jefferson and Karst Stage, LLC’s combined financial structure, allowing them to take advantage of better financial terms. (Id. at 6, 7.) Jefferson further represents that the proposed transaction will not have an overall negative impact on the interests of employees. (Id. at 7.) The application states that Jefferson does not PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 11869 anticipate reducing Karst’s workforce or Jefferson’s workforce. (Id.) Because Karst Stage, LLC, will continue Karst’s current operations in substantially the same manner, Karst’s employees will have the prospect of continued, uninterrupted employment. (Id.) Jefferson also expects both Karst Stage, LLC, and Jefferson to grow over time by taking advantage of economies of scale, improved financial terms, and increased buying power, resulting in additions to both driver and non-driver personnel. (Id.) Jefferson argues that the proposed transaction will not have a material adverse effect on competition, explaining that although Jefferson and Karst both currently provide charter bus service in Montana, Karst operates out of Bozeman, and Jefferson operates out of Billings. (Id.) According to the application, Karst and Jefferson have no common customers and serve largely separate and distinct areas, with some overlap in the larger markets. (Id. at 7– 8.) The application states that Jefferson and Karst Stage, LLC, will maintain separate identities after the transaction, and their market shares will not change. (Id. at 8–9.) The application further states that both Karst and the Jefferson face strong intra- and intermodal competition in their respective markets. (Id. at 9.) According to the application, passengers’ ability to travel in their own vehicles as an alternative to charter bus services exerts additional competitive pressure. (Id. at 9.) Jefferson therefore argues that the proposed transaction will not diminish competition. (Id.) According to Jefferson, the transaction will instead support competition by allowing Karst’s existing operations to continue. (Id. at 8.) Based on Jefferson’s representations, the Board finds that the acquisition as proposed in the application is consistent with the public interest and should be tentatively approved and authorized. If any opposing comments are timely filed, these findings will be deemed vacated and, unless a final decision can be made on the record as developed, a procedural schedule will be adopted to reconsider the application. See 49 CFR 1182.6. If no opposing comments are filed by the expiration of the comment period, this notice will take effect automatically and will be the final Board action in this proceeding. This action is categorically excluded from environmental review under 49 CFR 1105.6(c). Board decisions and notices are available at www.stb.gov. It is ordered: E:\FR\FM\12MRN1.SGM 12MRN1 11870 Federal Register / Vol. 90, No. 47 / Wednesday, March 12, 2025 / Notices 1. The proposed transaction is approved and authorized, subject to the filing of opposing comments. 2. If opposing comments are timely filed, the findings made in this notice will be deemed vacated. 3. This notice will be effective April 29, 2025, unless opposing comments are filed by April 28, 2025. If any comments are filed, Jefferson may file a reply by May 12, 2025. 4. A copy of this notice will be served on: (1) the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590; (2) the U.S. Department of Justice, Antitrust Division, 10th Street & Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20530; and (3) the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of the General Counsel, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. Decided: March 6, 2025. By the Board, Board Members Fuchs, Hedlund, Primus, and Schultz. Brendetta Jones, Clearance Clerk. [FR Doc. 2025–03931 Filed 3–11–25; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4915–01–P SUSQUEHANNA RIVER BASIN COMMISSION Projects Approved for Consumptive Uses of Water Susquehanna River Basin Commission. AGENCY: ACTION: Notice. This notice lists Approvals by Rule for projects by the Susquehanna River Basin Commission during the period set forth in DATES. DATES: January 1–31, 2025. ADDRESSES: Susquehanna River Basin Commission, 4423 North Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110–1788. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jason E. Oyler, General Counsel and Secretary to the Commission, telephone: (717) 238–0423, ext. 1312; fax: (717) 238–2436; email: joyler@srbc.net. Regular mail inquiries may be sent to the above address. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice lists the projects, described below, receiving approval for the consumptive use of water pursuant to the Commission’s approval by rule process set forth in 18 CFR 806.22(e) and (f) for the time period specified above. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:07 Mar 11, 2025 Jkt 265001 Approvals by Rule—Issued Under 18 CFR 806.22(e) 1. Harrisburg Cooling LLC; ABR– 202501001; City of Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 0.1250 mgd; Approval Date: January 22, 2025. Approvals by Rule—Issued Under 18 CFR 806.22(f) 1. RENEWAL—Chesapeake Appalachia, L.L.C.; Pad ID: S.A. Wilson Drilling Pad; ABR–201411001.R2; Overton Township, Bradford County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 7.5000 mgd; Approval Date: January 22, 2025. 2. RENEWAL—Chesapeake Appalachia, L.L.C.; Pad ID: Teel Unit #1H; ABR–20091115.R3; Springville Township, Susquehanna County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 7.5000 mgd; Approval Date: January 22, 2025. 3. RENEWAL—Coterra Energy Inc.; Pad ID: BrooksW P1; ABR–20090701.R3; Springville Township, Susquehanna County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 5.0000 mgd; Approval Date: January 22, 2025. 4. RENEWAL—Coterra Energy Inc.; Pad ID: Gesford P2; ABR–20090705.R3; Dimock Township, Susquehanna County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 5.0000 mgd; Approval Date: January 22, 2025. 5. RENEWAL—Coterra Energy Inc.; Pad ID: HullR P1; ABR–20090702.R3; Springville Township, Susquehanna County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 5.0000 mgd; Approval Date: January 22, 2025. 6. RENEWAL—Coterra Energy Inc.; Pad ID: LaRueC P1; ABR–20090706.R3; Dimock Township, Susquehanna County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 5.0000 mgd; Approval Date: January 22, 2025. 7. RENEWAL—Coterra Energy Inc.; Pad ID: SmithR P2; ABR–20090707.R3; Springville Township, Susquehanna County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 5.0000 mgd; Approval Date: January 22, 2025. 8. RENEWAL—Coterra Energy Inc.; Pad ID: Teel P7; ABR–20090704.R3; Springville Township, Susquehanna County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 5.0000 mgd; Approval Date: January 22, 2025. 9. RENEWAL—Coterra Energy Inc.; Pad ID: WeissM P1; ABR– 201407003.R2; Gibson Township, Susquehanna County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 5.0000 mgd; Approval Date: January 22, 2025. 10. RENEWAL—Pin Oak Energy Partners LLC; Pad ID: Gulf USA 67H— 68H; ABR–201406006.R2; Snow Shoe Township, Centre County, Pa.; PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Consumptive Use of Up to 3.0000 mgd; Approval Date: January 22, 2025. 11. RENEWAL—Repsol Oil & Gas USA, LLC; Pad ID: DCNR 587 (02 002); ABR–20090811.R3; Ward Township, Tioga County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 6.0000 mgd; Approval Date: January 22, 2025. 12. RENEWAL—Repsol Oil & Gas USA, LLC; Pad ID: DCNR 587 (02 004); ABR–20090812.R3; Ward Township, Tioga County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 6.0000 mgd; Approval Date: January 22, 2025. 13. RENEWAL—Repsol Oil & Gas USA, LLC; Pad ID: DCNR 587 (02 017); ABR–20090932.R3; Ward Township, Tioga County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 6.0000 mgd; Approval Date: January 22, 2025. 14. RENEWAL—SWN Production Company, LLC; Pad ID: Carrar Pad Site; ABR–20090725.R3; Liberty Township, Susquehanna County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 4.9990 mgd; Approval Date: January 22, 2025. 15. RENEWAL—Coterra Energy Inc.; Pad ID: ColwellA P1; ABR– 201408004.R2; Jackson Township, Susquehanna County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 5.0000 mgd; Approval Date: January 24, 2025. 16. RENEWAL—Coterra Energy Inc.; Pad ID: GrimsleyJ P1; ABR– 20090805.R3; Dimock Township, Susquehanna County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 5.0000 mgd; Approval Date: January 24, 2025. 17. RENEWAL—BKV Operating, LLC; Pad ID: Procter & Gamble Mehoopany Plant 2 1H; ABR–20091104.R3; Washington Township, Wyoming County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 5.0000 mgd; Approval Date: January 25, 2025. 18. RENEWAL—BKV Operating, LLC; Pad ID: Procter and Gamble Mehoopany Plant 1V; ABR–20091014.R3; Washington Township, Wyoming County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 5.0000 mgd; Approval Date: January 25, 2025. 19. RENEWAL—Repsol Oil & Gas USA, LLC; Pad ID: Bear Claw; ABR– 202001002.R1; McIntyre Township, Lycoming County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 6.0000 mgd; Approval Date: January 25, 2025. 20. RENEWAL—Repsol Oil & Gas USA, LLC; Pad ID: Kipferl 261–1H; ABR–20090732.R3; Jackson Township, Tioga County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 6.0000 mgd; Approval Date: January 25, 2025. 21. RENEWAL—Repsol Oil & Gas USA, LLC; Pad ID: Palmer 112; ABR– 20091006.R3; Canton Township, Bradford County, Pa.; Consumptive Use E:\FR\FM\12MRN1.SGM 12MRN1

Agencies

Surface Transportation Board

[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 12, 2025)]
[Notices]
[Pages 11868-11870]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-03931]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD

[Docket No. MCF 21130]


Jefferson Partners, L.P. dba Jefferson Lines--Acquisition of 
Control--Karst Stage, Inc.

AGENCY: Surface Transportation Board.

ACTION: Notice Tentatively Approving and Authorizing Finance 
Transaction.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: On January 22, 2025, Jefferson Partners, L.P., dba Jefferson 
Lines (Jefferson), an interstate passenger motor carrier, submitted an 
application for authority to acquire and operate the assets of another 
interstate passenger motor carrier, Karst Stage, Inc. (Karst). The 
Board is tentatively approving and authorizing this transaction. If no 
opposing comments are timely filed, this notice will be the final Board 
action.

DATES: Comments must be filed by April 28, 2025. If any comments are 
filed, Jefferson may file a reply by May 12, 2025. If no opposing 
comments are filed by April 28, 2025, this notice shall be effective on 
April 29, 2025.

ADDRESSES: Comments, referring to Docket No. MCF 21130, may be filed 
with the Board either via e-filing on the Board's website or in writing 
addressed to: Surface Transportation Board, 395 E Street SW, 
Washington, DC 20423-0001. In addition, send one copy of comments to 
Jefferson's representative: Richard P. Schweitzer, Richard P. 
Schweitzer, P.L.L.C., 1717 K Street NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 
20006.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jonathon Binet at (202) 245-0368. If 
you require an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act, 
please call (202) 245-0245.

[[Page 11869]]


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The application \1\ states that Jefferson 
Partners, L.P., is a limited partnership that operates as a motor 
carrier of passengers under the name Jefferson Lines. (Appl. 1.) 
Jefferson's principal place of business in Minneapolis, Minn. (Id.) 
According to the application, Jefferson provides regular route service 
in 14 states from its Minneapolis location. (Id. at 2.) Jefferson also 
provides charter bus service originating in Minneapolis and Billings, 
Mont.\2\ (Id.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The application was supplemented on February 11, 2025. 
Therefore, for purposes of determining the procedural schedule and 
statutory deadlines, the filing date of the application is February 
11, 2025. See 49 CFR 1182.4(a).
    \2\ Further information, including Jefferson's U.S. Department 
of Transportation (USDOT) numbers, motor carrier numbers, and USDOT 
safety fitness ratings, can be found in the application. (Id. at 2, 
10.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The application states that Karst's principal place of business is 
in Bozeman, Mont. (Id.) Karst holds interstate authority to carry 
passengers \3\ and currently provides charter bus service from Bozeman 
to locations throughout the United States. (Id.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ Further information about Karst, including its USDOT number, 
motor carrier number, and USDOT safety fitness rating, can be found 
in the application. (Id. at 2, 10.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The application explains that, in this transaction, Jefferson will 
purchase and hold all of Karst's assets. (Id. at 3.) The application 
states that Jefferson has established a new company, Karst Stage, LLC, 
that will operate the assets acquired from Karst and employ Karst's 
former employees. (Id. at 2-3.) According to the application, Jefferson 
has obtained interstate passenger motor carrier authority for Karst 
Stage, LLC, which will become a carrier after the transaction.\4\ (Id. 
at 2.) After the transaction, Jefferson and Karst Stage, LLC, will 
operate as separate entities but plan to integrate and share certain 
management functions. (Id. at 3.) \5\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ Karst Stage, LLC's motor carrier number can be found in the 
application. (Appl. 2.) Its USDOT number can be found in Jefferson's 
request for interim approval. Req. for Interim Approval i, Jefferson 
Partners, L.P.--Acquis. of Control--Karst Stage, Inc., MCF 21130 TA. 
The application states that after consummation of the transaction, 
it is expected that Karst's motor carrier operating authority will 
be withdrawn. (Id. at 3 n.1.)
    \5\ In Jefferson Partners, L.P.--Acquisition of Control--Karst 
Stage, Inc., MCF 21130 TA (STB served Feb. 21, 2025), the Board 
authorized Jefferson to operate Karst's assets on an interim basis 
under 49 U.S.C. 14303(i) and 49 CFR 1182.7(b).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Under 49 U.S.C. 14303(b), the Board must approve and authorize a 
transaction that it finds consistent with the public interest, taking 
into consideration at least (1) the effect of the proposed transaction 
on the adequacy of transportation to the public, (2) the total fixed 
charges resulting from the proposed transaction, and (3) the interest 
of affected carrier employees. Jefferson has submitted the information 
required by 49 CFR 1182.2, including information demonstrating that the 
proposed transaction is consistent with the public interest under 49 
U.S.C. 14303(b), see 49 CFR 1182.2(a)(7), and a jurisdictional 
statement under 49 U.S.C. 14303(g) that the aggregate gross operating 
revenues of the involved carriers exceeded $2 million during the 12-
month period immediately preceding the filing of the application, see 
49 CFR 1182.2(a)(5).
    Jefferson asserts that granting the application would be consistent 
with the public interest. (Appl. at 5.) According to the application, 
the proposed transaction will ensure continued service to Karst's 
existing customer base with no reduction in current service levels. 
(Id. at 6.) The application states that the proposed transaction will 
not result in significant operational changes and that merging the 
operations of Jefferson and Karst Stage, LLC, under a single corporate 
umbrella will allow both carriers to engage in economies of scale. 
(Id.) After the transaction, Jefferson plans to share several 
management functions with Karst Stage, LLC, including administration, 
safety management, human resources, accounting, and payroll. (Id. at 
3.) Jefferson states that combining these functions will increase 
efficiency for both companies. (Id. at 6.) The application also states 
that the proposed transaction will result in better financial terms 
that will facilitate the replacement of aging vehicles with newer, more 
efficient equipment. (Id.) Thus, Jefferson contends that the 
transaction will result in economies of scale, management efficiencies, 
and improved financial terms. (Id.) According to the application, 
Jefferson seeks to leverage these benefits to grow the businesses of 
both carriers, potentially improving the level of transportation 
available to the public. (Id.)
    Jefferson anticipates that this transaction could ultimately reduce 
the overall fixed charges for financing equipment acquisitions. (Id. at 
7.) According to the application, the transaction will strengthen 
Jefferson and Karst Stage, LLC's combined financial structure, allowing 
them to take advantage of better financial terms. (Id. at 6, 7.) 
Jefferson further represents that the proposed transaction will not 
have an overall negative impact on the interests of employees. (Id. at 
7.) The application states that Jefferson does not anticipate reducing 
Karst's workforce or Jefferson's workforce. (Id.) Because Karst Stage, 
LLC, will continue Karst's current operations in substantially the same 
manner, Karst's employees will have the prospect of continued, 
uninterrupted employment. (Id.) Jefferson also expects both Karst 
Stage, LLC, and Jefferson to grow over time by taking advantage of 
economies of scale, improved financial terms, and increased buying 
power, resulting in additions to both driver and non-driver personnel. 
(Id.)
    Jefferson argues that the proposed transaction will not have a 
material adverse effect on competition, explaining that although 
Jefferson and Karst both currently provide charter bus service in 
Montana, Karst operates out of Bozeman, and Jefferson operates out of 
Billings. (Id.) According to the application, Karst and Jefferson have 
no common customers and serve largely separate and distinct areas, with 
some overlap in the larger markets. (Id. at 7-8.) The application 
states that Jefferson and Karst Stage, LLC, will maintain separate 
identities after the transaction, and their market shares will not 
change. (Id. at 8-9.) The application further states that both Karst 
and the Jefferson face strong intra- and intermodal competition in 
their respective markets. (Id. at 9.) According to the application, 
passengers' ability to travel in their own vehicles as an alternative 
to charter bus services exerts additional competitive pressure. (Id. at 
9.) Jefferson therefore argues that the proposed transaction will not 
diminish competition. (Id.) According to Jefferson, the transaction 
will instead support competition by allowing Karst's existing 
operations to continue. (Id. at 8.)
    Based on Jefferson's representations, the Board finds that the 
acquisition as proposed in the application is consistent with the 
public interest and should be tentatively approved and authorized. If 
any opposing comments are timely filed, these findings will be deemed 
vacated and, unless a final decision can be made on the record as 
developed, a procedural schedule will be adopted to reconsider the 
application. See 49 CFR 1182.6. If no opposing comments are filed by 
the expiration of the comment period, this notice will take effect 
automatically and will be the final Board action in this proceeding.
    This action is categorically excluded from environmental review 
under 49 CFR 1105.6(c).
    Board decisions and notices are available at www.stb.gov.
    It is ordered:

[[Page 11870]]

    1. The proposed transaction is approved and authorized, subject to 
the filing of opposing comments.
    2. If opposing comments are timely filed, the findings made in this 
notice will be deemed vacated.
    3. This notice will be effective April 29, 2025, unless opposing 
comments are filed by April 28, 2025. If any comments are filed, 
Jefferson may file a reply by May 12, 2025.
    4. A copy of this notice will be served on: (1) the U.S. Department 
of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590; (2) the U.S. Department of 
Justice, Antitrust Division, 10th Street & Pennsylvania Avenue NW, 
Washington, DC 20530; and (3) the U.S. Department of Transportation, 
Office of the General Counsel, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, 
DC 20590.

    Decided: March 6, 2025.

    By the Board, Board Members Fuchs, Hedlund, Primus, and Schultz.
Brendetta Jones,
Clearance Clerk.
[FR Doc. 2025-03931 Filed 3-11-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-01-P

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