Transpacific Industries Group Ltd - proposed acquisition of WSN Environmental Solutions
Type of assessment
Informal Review
Reference
43189
Acquirer(s)
Transpacific Industries Group Ltd
Target(s)
WSN Environmental Solutions
Industry
Waste Management
Summary
Transpacific Industries Group proposes to acquire WSN Environmental Solutions, which is subject to a sale process by the NSW Government.
Outcome of assessment
Not opposed
Total review days *
27
Commenced public review
13th September 2010
Date completed
21st October 2010
Market definition
For the purposes of its assessment, the ACCC considered the proposed acquisition in the context of the following relevant markets:
- the supply of waste management services (including collection and disposal) to commercial and industrial customers (C&I) in metropolitan Sydney;
- the supply of waste collection services to councils in metropolitan Sydney;
- the supply of alternative waste treatment (AWT) services in metropolitan Sydney; and
- the development and future supply of AWT services (AWT tender competition) in metropolitan Sydney.
Competition analysis
The ACCC considered that the proposed acquisition was unlikely to substantially lessen competition in any relevant market. In forming this view, the ACCC had regard to:
- the limited aggregation in competition for the supply of waste management services to C&I customers;
- the likely constraint on the merged firm by other significant council waste collectors;
- the limited competition between the merger parties' existing AWT processing facilities; and
- the likely constraint on the merged firm by other significant AWT service providers in respect of the development and future supply of AWT services.
In forming this view, the ACCC also considered that the merged firm would not have any increased ability or incentive to foreclose any competitors in upstream waste management services (to C&I customers) and waste collection services (to councils) markets as a result of the proposed acquisition, particularly given the presence of alternative putrescible waste disposal options now and in the foreseeable future.
Review timeline
Date
Event
13th September 2010
ACCC commenced review under the Merger Review Process Guidelines. Market inquiries commenced.
30th September 2010
Closing date for submissions from interested parties.
21st October 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.