Port of Portland Pty Ltd - proposed acquisition of certain assets of North Western Shipping & Towage
Type of assessment
Informal Review
Reference
31210
Acquirer(s)
Port of Portland Pty Ltd
Target(s)
North Western Shipping & Towage
Industry
Harbour towage (tug boats)
Summary
Port of Portland Pty Limited, the port owner and operator, proposed to acquire the towage business of North Western Shipping and Towage (NWST) that operates at the Portland Port.
Outcome of assessment
Not opposed
Total review days *
16
Commenced public review
29th February 2008
Date completed
26th March 2008
Market definition
Without reaching a final view the ACCC considered that the relevant market was likely to be the market for the provision of harbour towage at the Port of Portland.
Competition analysis
The ACCC considered that there was a high degree of integration between the Port of Portland Limited and NWST as a result of the pre-acquisition contractual arrangements between the parties. The ACCC also noted comments from market participants that there was insufficient demand at Portland to justifiy a second towage operator. On a with and without analysis, the ACCC considered that the proposed acquisition was unlikely to substantially lessen competition.
Review timeline
Date
Event
29th February 2008
ACCC commenced review under the Merger Review Process Guidelines.
14th March 2008
Closing date for submissions from interested parties.
26th March 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.
