Acquirer: QBE Insurance Group Ltd; Target: Mercantile Mutual Insurance (Australia) Ltd, ING Life Australia Holdings Pty Limited
Summary
QBE proposes to acquire ING's shares in MMI and a joint venture company owned by QBE and ING.
Outcome
Not Opposed
Date completed
1st June 2004
Merger type
Horizontal
Guidelines thresholds
Unknown
Imports about 10%
Unknown
Market definition
The provision of general insurance services in Australia. Consideration also given to individual market segments, including provision of state-based motor vehicle insurance.
Competition analysis
On the basis of a national market for the provision of general insurance, it is apparent that a number of large industry participants exist, but the market is not dominated by a single provider. While the merged entity rises from fifth to third in terms of market share, the presence of four other large insurance providers and with the possibility of entry by international insurance providers (as established in the consideration of previous matters), provides a significant competitive constraint. In addition, the proposed acquisition does not cross the Commission's concentration thresholds.
Market share figures were not provided in relation to the individual segments of the general insurance industry. Of particular importance is the provision of motor vehicle insurance, which the Commission has previously considered to be state-based markets. Based on previous figures available to the Commission, the relative state-based market shares are not likely to raise any competition concerns.
