ACCC not to intervene in Woolworths' acquisition of four Advantage supermarkets

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission will not intervene in the acquisition of four Western Australian Advantage supermarkets and two associated liquor stores by Woolworths Limited, ACCC Chairman, Professor Allan Fels, said today.

The supermarkets are located in the metropolitan Perth suburbs of Joondalup, Rockingham, Waikiki and Subiaco. The liquor stores are attached to the Joondalup and Subiaco stores.

"In reaching this decision the ACCC took into account the views expressed by several participants in the Western Australian grocery industry", Professor Fels said.

"The ACCC examined the impact of the acquisition on competition at various geographic levels, including the state, metropolitan and local levels. It was considered that the acquisition was unlikely to result in a substantial lessening of competition at any of these levels.

"Companies such as Coles, Action Food Barns and other independents will continue to compete with Woolworths after the acquisition. It was considered unlikely that prices to customers at the Advantage stores would rise as a result of the acquisition".