United Petroleum - acquisition of Norvac and Mobil's Tasmanian Service Stations.

Prior to the acquisition Norvac Pty Ltd was owned by Mobil and a non-fuel related third party. Norvac operated a chain of service stations throughout Tasmania and had contracts for the supply of fuel and petroleum products to industry groups such as farmers.

The relevant markets were considered to be the local markets for the retailing of fuel and the market for the supply of fuel and petroleum products to industrial users.

Having regard to the fact that, prior to the acquisition, United did not have a presence in the supply of either of the relevant products in Tasmania and that the presence of other major oil companies would continue to provide effective competition, the ACCC considered that the acquisition would not be likely to result in a substantial lessening of competition in any relevant market.