Nessel sues to break up Mackinac Island ferry owner, citing fare and parking hikes

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel filed an antitrust lawsuit Thursday accusing the Hoffmann Family of Companies of operating an illegal Mackinac Island ferry monopoly. State prosecutors allege the private equity firm bought out its sole rival, pulled boats during peak tourist season and raised ticket and mainland parking prices. Nessel is asking an Ingham County judge to force the sale of one ferry line, block anti-competitive practices and award triple damages. MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. (WBUP/WJMN) — Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is asking a judge to break up single-company control of passenger ferry service to Mackinac Island, alleging the operator bought out its competition to hike prices on tourists, island residents and seasonal workers. Filed Thursday in Ingham County Circuit Court, the civil antitrust lawsuit targets the Hoffmann Family of Companies, a private equity group led by billionaire David Hoffmann, alongside affiliated marine businesses including Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry and Arnold Transit Co. According to the attorney general's office, Hoffmann now controls every passenger ferry route to the car-free island, every dock capable of handling passenger vessels and roughly 80% of long-term mainland parking near the terminals in St. Ignace and Mackinaw City. State attorneys contend the firm built that