Linfox Australia Pty Ltd - acquisition of Westgate Logistics

Summary

Transport and logistics company, Linfox, sought to acquire transport and storage company, Westgate Logistics. Linfox did not seek to acquire Westgate Logistics' port operations.

Market definition

In this instance, the ACCC considered that the markets were likely to be:

- the market for the transportation of containerised freight on the east coast of Australia;
- the market for the transportation of non-containerised freight on the east coast of Australia; and
- the market for the provision of warehousing services in each of Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

Competition analysis

In each of the above markets, the ACCC found that the merged entity was likely to face significant competition from large, well-resourced competitors. Accordingly, the ACCC considered that the proposed acquisition was unlikely to substantially lessen competition in the relevant markets.