On 25 January 2008, Gerard Lighting acquired Lighting Corporation Limited.
Outcome of assessment
Not opposed
Total review days *
42
Commenced public review
24th December 2007
Date completed
26th February 2008
Market definition
The ACCC considered the acquisition in the context of state based markets for the design, assembly and supply of functional vehicular traffic luminaries.
Competition analysis
On 26 February 2008, the ACCC formed the view that the acquisition would be unlikely to result in a substantial lessening of competition. In reaching this view, the ACCC considered that:
- there are other suppliers of functional category V luminaries, particularly Thorn and Gough, that have the relevant approvals to supply in some states and that could expand their current supply in response to an attempted increase in prices; and
- there is a potential for functional category V luminaries to be sourced from overseas, in a timely fashion and without significant investment, for supply in Australia at competitive prices.
Review timeline
Date
Event
19th December 2007
ACCC sought information from Gerard Lighting.
24th December 2007
ACCC received Gerard Lighting's response. ACCC commenced review under the Merger Review Process Guidelines.
16th January 2008
Closing date for submissions from interested parties.
21st February 2008
Former proposed date for announcement of ACCC's findings amended to allow for provision of additional information by Gerard Lighting.
26th February 2008
ACCC announced it would not oppose the proposed acquisition.
* Total Review days = Total business days less public holidays and time during which the review was suspended.
