Target(s)
- Woodside Energy Limited interest in Otway Gas Project
Summary
Origin proposed to acquire Woodside's interest in the Otway Gas Project.Post-acquisition, Origin would hold the following interests in the Otway Gas Project:
- a 67.23% interest in the Development Joint Venture;
- a 67.23% interest in Exploration Joint Venture (T/30P and VIC/P43); and
- a 82.3% interest in Exploration Joint Venture (T/34P).
Market definition
In respect of natural gas, the ACCC considered the relevant markets to be the southern states (VIC, NSW, SA) markets for the:- exploration and development of natural gas;
- production of natural gas; and
- wholesale supply of natural gas.
In respect of LPG, the ACCC considered the relevant markets to be the Victorian and South Australian markets for the:
- production and sale of LPG;
- wholesale supply and distribution of automotive LPG; and
- local markets for the retail supply of automotive LPG.
In respect of condensates, the ACCC considered the relevant markets to be the Victorian markets for the:
- production of condensate; and
- wholesale supply of condensate.
Competition analysis
The ACCC considered that the proposed acquisition was unlikely to result in a substantial lessening of competition in the relevant markets. Factors informing this conclusion included:- the small level of concentration which resulted in each market;
- the existence of several competitors who continued to provide alternative supply options for customers;
- in addition to existing sources of supply, several gas field developments were underway in areas offshore of Victoria; and
- Woodside's long term gas supply contract with TRUenergy would be binding upon Origin.
Timeline
Date | Event |
---|---|
12/11/2009 | ACCC commenced review under the Merger Review Process Guidelines. Market inquiries commenced. |
27/11/2009 | Closing date for submissions from interested parties. |
15/12/2009 | ACCC announced it would not oppose the proposed acquisition. |