ABC Learning Centres Limited - acquisition of Just Little People child care centres (Macedon Ranges - Victoria)
Type of assessment
Informal Review
Reference
27067
Acquirer(s)
ABC Learning Centres Limited
Target(s)
Just Little People child care centres (Macedon Ranges - Victoria)
Industry
Child care
Outcome of assessment
Not opposed
Total review days *
28
Commenced public review
15th February 2007
Date completed
26th April 2007
Market definition
The relevant market considered by the ACCC was the market for the supply of centre-based long day child care services in an area immediately north-west of Melbourne encompassing Macedon, Gisborne, Woodend, Romsey and Riddells Creek (the Macedon region) and extending along the Calder Freeway at least to Sunbury. The information available to the ACCC suggested that a sufficient number parents would be likely to consider child care in Sunbury to be substitutable for child care in the Macedon region, particularly given information that a significant number of people living in the Macedon area travel along the Calder Freeway to, through or near Sunbury to attend work.
Competition analysis
The ACCC decided not to oppose the acquisitions in the Macedon region given the availability of child care places in the relevant market, particularly Sunbury. In addition, information before the ACCC indicated that new childcare centres had recently entered the market, and that further new entry was planned for the future.
Review timeline
Date
Event
15th February 2007
ACCC commenced review under the Merger Review Process Guidelines. Market inquiries commenced.
15th March 2007
ACCC requested further information from ABC. ACCC timeline suspended.
10th April 2007
Closing date for submissions from interested parties.
13th April 2007
ACCC received further information from ABC. ACCC timeline recommenced.
26th April 2007
ACCC announced it would not oppose the acquisitions.
* Total Review days = Total business days less public holidays and time during which the review was suspended.
