carsales.com Limited - proposed acquisition of interests associated with the Trading Post brand
Type of assessment
Informal Review
Reference
49637
Acquirer(s)
carsales.com Limited
Target(s)
TradingPost.com.au
Industry
Advertising
Summary
In August 2012, Carsales.com limited informed the ACCC that it proposed to acquire assets associated with Trading Post from Telstra Corporation Limited. Following a public review, on 20 December 2012 the ACCC announced that it would oppose the acquisition.
Reasons for the ACCC's decision in regards to the proposed acquisition will be included in a Public Competition Assessment which will be published in due course.
Outcome of assessment
Opposed
Total review days *
65
Commenced public review
30th August 2012
Date completed
20th December 2012
Market definition
A Public Competition Assessment will be published in due course.
Competition analysis
A Public Competition Assessment will be published in due course.
Statement of issues
Word version 19th October 2012 D12+152854.doc (124.3 KB)
Carsales Trading Post - Statement of Issues - 19 October 2012 19th October 2012 MER12+12019.pdf (247.8 KB)
The ACCC today announced it will oppose the proposed acquisition by Carsales.com of assets associ...
Issued: 20th December 2012 Release # NR 275/12
Review timeline
Date
Event
30th August 2012
ACCC commenced review under the Merger Review Process Guidelines.
17th September 2012
Closing date for submissions from interested parties.
19th October 2012
ACCC published a Statement of Issues outlining preliminary competition concerns.
2nd November 2012
Closing date for submissions relating to Statement of Issues.
2nd November 2012
ACCC timeline suspended. Carsales requested more time to respond to Statement of Issues. Former decision date of 29 November 2012 delayed pending receipt of this information.
21st November 2012
ACCC received further information from Carsales. ACCC timeline recommenced.
20th December 2012
ACCC announced it would oppose the proposed acquisition.
* Total Review days = Total business days less public holidays and time during which the review was suspended.
