Woolworths Limited proposed to acquire the remote commercial refrigeration business of Austral Refrigeration Holdings Pty Ltd.
Outcome of assessment
Not opposed
Total review days *
21
Commenced public review
21st November 2012
Date completed
19th December 2012
Market definition
The ACCC considered the proposed acquisition in the context of the following markets:
(i) the national market for the manufacture and supply of remote refrigerated display cases;
(ii) the national market for the design and installation of remote refrigeration systems; and
(iii) region-based markets for the maintenance of remote refrigeration systems.
Competition analysis
The ACCC considered that the proposed acquisition was unlikely to substantially lessen competition in any relevant market. Factors informing this view included;
(i) the merger parties did not overlap in any relevant market; and
(ii) in each relevant market, a number of alternatives to Austral existed such that any attempt by Woolworths to foreclose its retail rivals' access to remote refrigeration equipment and services was unlikely to be successful.
Review timeline
Date
Event
21st November 2012
ACCC commenced review under the Merger Review Process Guidelines.
7th December 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.
