Sims Group Australia Holdings Limited - proposed acquisition of the ferrous scrap collection and recycling business of Paramount Machinery (Browns) Pty Limited
Type of assessment
Informal Review
Reference
50017
Acquirer(s)
Sims Group Australia Holdings Limited
Target(s)
Paramount Machinery (Browns) Pty Limited
Industry
Collection and Recycyling of Scrap Metal
Summary
Sims Group Australia Holdings Limited proposed to acquire Paramount Browns' ferrous scrap metal collection and recycling business in South Australia.
Outcome of assessment
Not opposed
Total review days *
26
Commenced public review
14th November 2012
Date completed
19th December 2012
Market definition
The ACCC considered the proposed acquisition in the context of the following markets:
-the market for the acquisition of ferrous scrap from scrap originators and scrap resellers in the greater Adelaide area; and
-the market for the supply of recycled ferrous scrap to end users in South Australia.
Competition analysis
The ACCC concluded that the proposed acquisition was unlikely to substantially lessen competition in either the acquisition or supply markets.
In the market for the acquisition of ferrous scrap, the ACCC considered that although Paramount Machinery (Browns) Pty Limited appeared to be a strong competitor with significant scrap metal recycling capacity, existing competitors were likely to constrain the merged entity from reducing prices paid to scrap metal vendors below competitive levels.
In the market for the supply of recycled ferrous scrap to end users in South Australia, the ACCC considered that existing competitors were likely to constrain the merged entity from raising prices for recycled scrap.
Review timeline
Date
Event
14th November 2012
ACCC commenced review under the Merger Review Process Guidelines.
27th November 2012
Closing date for submissions from interested parties.
19th December 2012
ACCC announced it would not oppose the proposed acquisition.
* Total Review days = Total business days less public holidays and time during which the review was suspended.