Woolworths Limited - proposed acquisition of liquor licences in the Sutherland Shire and Mortdale NSW
Type of assessment
Informal Review
Reference
43247
Acquirer(s)
Woolworths Limited
Target(s)
Liquor licences in the Sutherland Shire and Mortdale NSW
Industry
Liquor retailing
Summary
Woolworths proposes to acquire six takeaway packaged liquor licences located in the Sutherland Shire (Burraneer, Cronulla, Kirrawee, Kurnell and Woolooware) and Mortdale, New South Wales. The licences are currently owned by Hoatle Pty Limited and trades under the banner group Liquor Stax.
Outcome of assessment
Not opposed
Total review days *
20
Commenced public review
20th August 2010
Date completed
16th September 2010
Market definition
The ACCC considered the proposed acquisition in the context of:
- the local markets for the retail sale of packaged liquor for off-premises consumption within a 3-5km radius of each of the six target sites; and
- the New South Wales market for the wholesale supply of packaged liquor for subsequent sale in 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 markets of each of the six target sites, the presence of a number of other retail liquor outlets; and
- in the New South Wales 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
20th August 2010
ACCC commenced review under the Merger Review Process Guidelines.
3rd September 2010
Closing date for submissions from interested parties.
16th September 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.
