Early Learning Services Ltd - proposed acquisition of Payce Childcare Pty Ltd
Type of assessment
Informal Review
Reference
40230
Acquirer(s)
Early Learning Services
Target(s)
Payce Child Care
Industry
Childcare
Outcome of assessment
Not opposed
Total review days *
21
Commenced public review
20th January 2010
Date completed
18th February 2010
Market definition
The ACCC considered the proposed acquisition in the context of local markets for the provision of centre-based long day child care services within approximately 10km of each of the long day child care centres being acquired by ELS.
Competition analysis
The ACCC concluded that, due to a large number of alternative long day child care centres in each of the relevant local markets, the proposed acquisition was unlikely to substantially lessen competition in any relevant market.
Review timeline
Date
Event
20th January 2010
ACCC commenced review under the Merger Review Process Guidelines.
3rd February 2010
Closing date for submissions from interested parties.
18th February 2010
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.
