Acquirer(s)

  • ACP Magazines Pty Ltd

Target(s)

  • EMAP Australia Pty Ltd

Summary

ACP Magazines has acquired EMAP Australia.

Market definition

The acquisition was considered in the context of separate markets for the acquisition of content, supply of advertising space and supply of magazines to consumers for each of men's lifestyle, women's fashion and parenting magazines.

Competition analysis

On 18 September 2007 the ACCC formed the view after conducting market inquiries that the acquisition is unlikely to substantially lessen competition in the relevant markets. The ACCC concluded it is unlikely that the merged firm would have the ability and incentive to unilaterally exercise market power. Factors informing this conclusion included:
- the merged firm would continue to face effective competition from domestic publishers and imported magazines;
- recent successful entry suggests that cover prices and advertising rates are likely to be constrained by entry and expansion of rival publishers; and
- a rival publisher has publicly stated it intends to expand its magazine business.

Timeline

Date Event

ACCC commences review under the Mergers Review Process Guidelines. Market inquiries commence.

ACCC requested further information from ACP Magazines. ACCC timeline suspended.

Closing date for submissions from interested parties.

ACCC received further information from ACP Magazines. ACCC timeline recommenced.

Acquisition completed.

ACCC decided not to oppose the acquisition.