Illyria Nominees Pty Limited - proposed acquisition of a 50% interest in DMG Radio Australia Pty Ltd
Type of assessment
Informal Review
Reference
39800
Acquirer(s)
Illyria Nominees Pty Limited
Target(s)
DMG Radio Australia Pty Ltd
Industry
Radio broadcasting
Summary
Illyria intended to acquire a 50% interest in DMG Radio Australia Pty Ltd.
Outcome of assessment
Not opposed
Total review days *
12
Commenced public review
30th November 2009
Date completed
15th December 2009
Market definition
The ACCC noted that there was direct overlap between Illyria's shareholding in Prime Television and Star FM, a radio station owned by DMG Radio in Gosford. The ACCC also noted that there was a possible indirect overlap between Illyria and the media interests owned by News Limited.
Consistent with the principles the ACCC set out in the Media Mergers paper in August 2006 and subsequent reviews of mergers in the media sector, the ACCC considered the direct and indirect overlaps of the proposed acquisition in relation to a single product class - the supply of advertising opportunities to advertisers.
For the purposes of its competition analysis the ACCC did not consider it necessary to form a definitive view regarding market definition.
Competition analysis
The ACCC formed the view that the proposed acquisition was unlikely to result in a substantial lessening of competition in the relevant markets. Factors informing this conclusion included:
- the existence of other competitors providing advertising opportunities on the same platform as that provided by Illyria / News Limited; and
- the existence of other competitors providing advertising opportunities on different platforms as those provided by Illyria / News Limited.
Review timeline
Date
Event
30th November 2009
ACCC commenced review under the Merger Review Process Guidelines.
11th December 2009
Closing date for submissions from interested parties.
15th December 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.