Woolworths Limited - proposed acquisition of liquor licence in Belmont WA
Type of assessment
Informal Review
Reference
42534
Acquirer(s)
Woolworths Limited
Target(s)
Liquor licence in Belmont WA
Industry
Liquor licence
Summary
Woolworths proposes to acquire a takeaway packaged liquor licence located in Belmont, WA. The licence is currently owned by Bellmore Enterprises as trustee for the Bocca Family Trust and trades under the banner group "Cellarbrations".
Outcome of assessment
Not opposed
Total review days *
17
Commenced public review
23rd June 2010
Date completed
15th July 2010
Market definition
The ACCC considered the proposed acquisition in the context of:
- a local market for the retail sale of packaged liquor for off-premises consumption within a 3-5km radius of the target liquor outlet; and
- a Western Australian market for the wholesale supply of packaged liquor for subsequent sale in retail markets for off-premises consumption.
Competition analysis
The ACCC formed the view that the proposed acquisition would be unlikely to substantially lessen competition in the relevant markets. The ACCC concluded that the merged entity will be constrained by a significant number of competing retail liquor outlets in Belmont and surrounding areas. In relation to the wholesale market, the ACCC considered that the increase in the volume of Woolworths Limited's liquor purchases was unlikely to be significant, and accordingly, unlikely to lead to a substantial lessening of competition.
Review timeline
Date
Event
23rd June 2010
ACCC commenced review under the Merger Review Process Guidelines.
7th July 2010
Closing date for submissions from interested parties.
15th July 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.
