Woolworths Limited - proposed acquisition of liquor licence in Kempsey NSW
Type of assessment
Informal Review
Reference
43604
Acquirer(s)
Woolworths Limited
Target(s)
Liquor licence in Kempsey NSW
Industry
Liquor retailing
Outcome of assessment
Not opposed
Total review days *
20
Commenced public review
1st October 2010
Date completed
29th October 2010
Market definition
The ACCC considered the competition effects of the proposed acquisition in the following markets: (1) the local market for the retail sale of packaged liquor for off-premises consumption within a 3-5km radius of the target liquor site; and (2) the New South Wales 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 presence and constraint imposed by a number of other independent retail liquor outlets in the local retail liquor market. In the wholesale liquor market, the ACCC considered that 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
1st October 2010
ACCC commenced review under the Merger Review Process Guidelines.
11th October 2010
Closing date for submissions from interested parties.
21st October 2010
ACCC requested further information from Woolworths. Former proposed decision date of 21 October 2010 delayed. A new proposed date for the announcement of the ACCC's findings will be advised in due course.
28th October 2010
ACCC received further information from Woolworths. ACCC timeline recommenced.
29th 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.
