Linde AG - completed acquisition of Auscom Holdings Pty Limited

Status: 
Completed
Outcome: 
Not opposed on 16 October 2008
Reference number: 
32994
Industry: 
Industrial gas
Commenced: 
2 October 2008
Total review days: 
11 days

Acquirer(s)

  • Linde AG

Target(s)

  • Auscom Holdings Pty Limited

Summary

Linde AG, through its subsidiary BOC Ltd, has acquired from AGL Energy Ltd its 50% shareholding in Auscom Holdings Pty Ltd

Market definition

The ACCC considered the competitive effects of the completed acquisition in the context of state based markets for the production, supply, wholesale and retail of:
- traditional LPG; and
- autogas.

Competition analysis

The ACCC considered that the completed acquisition was unlikely to substantially lessen competition in the relevant markets. Factors informing this conclusion included:
- that the completed acquisition was unlikely to change the competitive dynamic that existed pre-acquisition;
- that there were strong incentives post-acquisition to maintain supply to downstream competitors; and
- competitors existed that would continue to provide alternative supply options for customers.

Timeline

DateEvent
02/10/2008Linde AG acquired the remaining 50% interest in Auscom Holdings Pty Ltd.
02/10/2008ACCC commenced review under the Merger Review Process Guidelines.
15/10/2008Closing date for submissions from interested parties.
16/10/2008ACCC announced it would not oppose the acquisition.