FremantleMedia Group - acquisition of 19.99% interest in Beyond International Limited

Acquirer(s)

  • FremantleMedia Group

Target(s)

  • Beyond International Limited

Summary

FremantleMedia Group (Fremantle) acquired 19.99% of the issued share capital in Beyond International Limited (Beyond)

Market definition

For the purposes of the competition analysis in this matter, the ACCC did not consider it necessary to form a definitive view on market definition. The acquisition was considered in the context of:
- the production of Australian television content; and
- the acquisition and international distribution of Australian television content.

Competition analysis

On 20 November 2008, the ACCC formed the view that the acquisition was unlikely to substantially lessen competition in any relevant market. The ACCC formed the view that, given the size of the shareholding and the composition of the Beyond Board of Directors, Fremantle would be unlikely to be in a position to exercise substantial control in relation to Beyond.

Timeline

DateEvent
10/09/2008FremantleMedia Group acquired a 19.99% interest in Beyond International Limited.
30/09/2008ACCC became aware of the acquisition. ACCC commenced review under the Merger Review Process Guidelines.
08/10/2008ACCC requested further information from FremantleMedia Group, ACCC timeline suspended.
10/10/2008Initial closing date for submissions from interested parties.
24/10/2008Revised closing date for submissions from interested parties, amended to allow for receipt of information from interested parties and FremantleMedia Group.
13/11/2008ACCC received further information from the parties. ACCC timeline recommenced.
20/11/2008ACCC announced it would not oppose the acquisition.