The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has allowed Office Choice Limited, Office Brands Limited, Office Products Depot, as well as their current and future Australian members and franchisees, to continue to collectively bargain with office products suppliers.
The collective bargaining group represents over 250 retailers who sell small business and general office products.
The collective bargaining arrangement has been operating since it was first authorised by the ACCC in 2007.
“Collective negotiation can deliver cost savings and promote competition between office product wholesalers supplying the bargaining group,” ACCC Deputy Chair Dr Michael Schaper said.
“This will assist members of the bargaining group in competing with larger retailers and provide consumers with more competitive prices and greater choice.”
The ACCC has reauthorised the arrangements for a further 6 years.
Authorisation provides statutory protection from court action for conduct that might otherwise raise concerns under the competition provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. Broadly, the ACCC may grant an authorisation when it is satisfied that the public benefit from the conduct outweighs any public detriment.
Further information is available on the authorisation register.