7-Eleven Stores Pty Limited

On 9 April 2020, 7-Eleven Stores Pty Limited (7-Eleven) applied for authorisation. 7-Eleven sought authorisation to approach some of its franchisees (Franchisees), and if they agree, to enter into arrangements with those Franchisees to either temporarily close or reduce the trading hours of certain stores (the Proposed Conduct). This may include stores operated by its Franchisees, and stores operated by 7-Eleven (or through its sister entity, Convenience Holdings Pty Limited) (corporate-owned stores). 7-Eleven advised that the purpose of the Proposed Conduct is to assist 7-Eleven and its Franchisees to respond to and endure the COVID-19 pandemic in a cost-efficient manner, while supporting 7-Eleven’s customers.

7-Eleven sought authorisation for 6 months from the date of the ACCC’s final determination.

On 24 April 2020, the ACCC granted interim authorisation, subject to conditions, allowing 7-Eleven to commence the Proposed Conduct. The conditions require 7-Eleven to notify the ACCC of the Franchisees it proposes to approach for temporary store closure or a reduction in hours, and the stores (both corporate owned and franchised) which will be closed or have reduced hours. The full text of the ACCC’s interim authorisation decision is linked below.

On 8 July 2020, the ACCC issued a draft determination proposing to grant conditional authorisation to 7-Eleven until 31 March 2021. The full draft determination document is linked below.

On 29 July 2020, the ACCC granted conditional authorisation to 7-Eleven until 31 March 2021. The final determination document can be found below.

If no application for review of the determination is made to the Australian Competition Tribunal, the authorisation will come into force on 20 August 2020.

Further information on the application for authorisation and the ACCC’s decision is available through the link below.