The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission will not intervene in the proposed merger between McCafferty's Holdings Limited and Greyhound Pioneer, ACCC Chairman, Professor Allan Fels, announced today.
"Although the merger combines the only two national coach operators, market inquiries indicated that there was sufficient scope for smaller operators to enter the interstate coach market and provide competition for the merged entity.
"Competition is driven not only by the merger parties but also by a large number of smaller players in specific geographic regions.
"Further, there are other modes of transport such as train that offer an alternative for consumers.
"The ACCC conducted extensive market inquiries in relation to this matter. It spoke to a number of interstate and intrastate express, tour and charter operators, and industry representatives.
"These discussions indicated that the merger would be unlikely to result in a significant reduction in competition in the industry".
"Although the merger combines the only two national coach operators, market inquiries indicated that there was sufficient scope for smaller operators to enter the interstate coach market and provide competition for the merged entity.
"Competition is driven not only by the merger parties but also by a large number of smaller players in specific geographic regions.
"Further, there are other modes of transport such as train that offer an alternative for consumers.
"The ACCC conducted extensive market inquiries in relation to this matter. It spoke to a number of interstate and intrastate express, tour and charter operators, and industry representatives.
"These discussions indicated that the merger would be unlikely to result in a significant reduction in competition in the industry".