Woolworths Limited - proposed acquisition of liquor licence at St Albans VIC
Type of assessment
Informal Review
Reference
39828
Acquirer(s)
Woolworths Limited
Target(s)
liquor licence at St Albans VIC
Industry
Packaged liquor licence
Summary
Woolworths proposed to acquire a takeway packaged liquor licence located at St Albans, VIC.
The Licence traded as "Marketplace Cellars" under the "Cellarbrations" banner. The Licence was owned by Tank Nominees Pty Ltd and Tanikian Holdings Pty Ltd, both of which were in administration.
Outcome of assessment
Not opposed
Total review days *
14
Commenced public review
3rd December 2009
Date completed
22nd December 2009
Market definition
The ACCC considered the proposed acquisition in the context of the following markets:
- the local market for the retail sale of liquor for off-premises consumption within a 3-5km radius of the location of the target site in St Albans VIC; and
- a VIC market for the wholesale supply of packaged liquor for subsequent sale in the retail market for off-premises consumption.
Competition analysis
The ACCC concluded that the proposed acquisition was unlikely to substantially lessen competition in the relevant markets. In forming this view, the ACCC had regard to the following factors:
- in the local retail market, the presence of a number of other retail liquor outlets; and
- in the VIC wholesale market, the proposed acquisition was unlikely to significantly increase the buying power of Woolworths, nor diminish the buying power of competing wholesale purchasers.
Review timeline
Date
Event
3rd December 2009
ACCC commenced review under the Merger Review Process Guidelines. Market inquiries commenced.
17th December 2009
Closing date for submissions from interested parties.
22nd 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.
