Summary

QBE Insurance (Australia) Ltd - acquisition of CHU Underwriting Agencies Pty Ltd.

Market definition

General insurance in Australia.

Competition analysis

On 25 January 2005 the ACCC decided not to oppose the acquisition. QBE supplies general insurance products in Australia. CHU is a broker of strata title insurance. The ACCC considered that the acquisition was unlikely to raise upstream rivals' costs due to: QBE's existing exclusive distribution arrangement with CHU; and the fragmented nature of insurance broking.

Merger type

Vertical

Initiation

Parties