Mergers/Acquisitions

Lake Imaging Pty Ltd—proposed acquisition of the radiology practices of St John of God Health Care Inc.'s ultrasound and nuclear medicine facilities in Ballarat and radiology practice in Geelong

On 3 March 2006 the ACCC decided not to oppose the proposed acquisition of the diagnostic imaging practices in Ballarat and Geelong from St John of God Healthcare by Lake Imaging Pty Ltd.

In reaching its decision, the ACCC took account of court enforceable undertakings received from Lake Imaging and St John of God addressing potential competition concerns about the supply of ultrasound services in Ballarat. 

The undertakings remove possible contractual impediments to certain potential new ultrasound providers commencing practice in Ballarat. The undertakings can be accessed on the ACCC website.

Lake Imaging proposes to acquire the St John of God's entire diagnostic imaging practice in Geelong but only St John of God's ultrasound and nuclear medicine practices in Ballarat.

St John of God Healthcare is a non-profit health care provider. Among other things, it operates private hospitals and diagnostic imaging practices in Ballarat and Geelong. Lake Imaging operates a diagnostic imaging practice from eight premises in Victoria, including in Ballarat and Geelong.

Queensland Rail—proposed acquisition of certain assets from Australian Railroad Group Pty Ltd

On 30 March 2006 the ACCC decided not to oppose the proposed acquisition.

Abbott Laboratories—proposed acquisition of vascular and endovascular devices businesses of Guidant Corporation

On 29 March the ACCC decided not to oppose the proposed acquisition.

Boston Scientific Corporation—proposed acquisition of Guidant Corporation (excluding Guidant's vascular and endovascular devices businesses).

On 29 March the ACCC decided not to oppose the proposed acquisition.

News Limited—proposal to acquire Westside Weekly and Ipswich's Own (suburban Queensland newspapers).

On 28 March the ACCC decided not to oppose the proposed acquisition.

Adsteam Marine Ltd—proposed acquisition of certain assets of Newcastle Port Marine Linesmen

On 23 March the ACCC decided not to oppose the proposed acquisition.

Cabcharge Australia Ltd—proposed acquisition of Arrow Taxi Services Ltd

On 21 March the ACCC decided not to oppose the proposed acquisition.

Coles Myer Limited—proposed acquisition of Hedley Liquor Group

On 21 March the ACCC decided not to oppose the proposed acquisition.

Toll Holdings Ltd—proposed acquisition of Patrick Corporation Ltd

On 11 March the ACCC decided not to oppose the proposed acquisition.

DCA Group Limited (through its subsidiary PerthRadClinic Limited)—proposed acquisition of Perth Imaging.

On 7 March the ACCC decided not to oppose the proposed acquisition.