Metcash Trading Limited - proposed acquisition of Solomon Food Group Pty Ltd (foodservice wholesaling businesses)
Type of assessment
Informal Review
Reference
36283
Acquirer(s)
Metcash Trading Limited
Target(s)
Solomon Food Group Pty Ltd (foodservice wholesaling businesses)
Industry
Food services
Summary
Metcash Trading Limited proposes to acquire the food service wholesaling and food service produce wholesaling businesses of Solomon Food Group Pty Limited.
Outcome of assessment
Not opposed
Total review days *
21
Commenced public review
13th January 2009
Date completed
11th February 2009
Market definition
The ACCC considered the proposed acquisition in the context of:
i) the Queensland market for the wholesale supply of broadline foodservice products (frozen, chilled and dry and packaged products); and
ii) the Queensland market for the wholesale supply of specialty foodservice products (fresh produce) to the foodservice channel.
The ACCC noted that the competition analysis in this review would be unchanged by the precise market delineation.
Competition analysis
The ACCC formed the view that the proposed acquisition was unlikely to substantially lessen competition in any of the relevant markets due to the existence of a number of rival wholesale suppliers which would be likely to continue to constrain the merged firm from attempting to exercise unilateral market power in each of the relevant markets. The ACCC noted the small degree of horizontal aggregation that would occur as a result of the proposed acquisition.
Review timeline
Date
Event
13th January 2009
ACCC commenced review under the Merger Review Process Guidelines.
28th January 2009
Closing date for submissions from interested parties.
11th February 2009
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.
