Acquirer(s)

  • Asahi Group Holdings

Target(s)

  • Carlton & United Breweries (owned by Anheuser Busch InBev SA/NV)

Summary

Asahi proposes to acquire Carlton & United Breweries (CUB).

Asahi and CUB both supply a range of beer, cider and spirits products.

Market definition

Please refer to the attached Public Competition Assessment.
 

Competition analysis

Please refer to the attached Public Competition Assessment.
 
 

Timeline

Date Event

ACCC commenced informal review under the Informal Merger Review Process Guidelines.

ACCC requested further information from Asahi and CUB.

Closing date for submissions from interested parties.

Former provisional date for announcement of findings (31st October) is delayed to allow Asahi more time to provide additional information.

ACCC received further information from Asahi.

Former provisional date for announcement of ACCC's findings (5th December) is delayed to allow Asahi more time to provide additional information.

ACCC published a Statement of Issues outlining preliminary competition concerns.

Closing date for submissions relating to Statement of Issues.

ACCC commenced market consultation on proposed s87B undertaking. Former provisional date for announcement of ACCC’s findings (19 March 2020) is delayed. ACCC will announce a proposed decision date in due course.

Closing date for submissions relating to the draft proposed divestment undertaking.

ACCC announced it would not oppose the proposed acquisition, subject to section 87B undertakings accepted by the ACCC.