Target(s)
- SUPA IGA Karabar
Summary
Woolworths Group Limited (Woolworths) is proposing to acquire the independent supermarket operating as SUPA IGA Karabar.
Woolworths and SUPA IGA Karabar both supply groceries in the broader Queanbeyan region (encompassing Karabar and Jerrabomberra).
The ACCC previously opposed Woolworths’ proposed acquisition of the Karabar Supermarket in 2008 (then trading under the “Supabarn” banner). Further detail on the ACCC’s 2008 merger review, including the Public Competition Assessment, is available on the ACCC’s Public Mergers Register here.
Market inquiries
The ACCC has published a Statement of Issues outlining preliminary competition concerns in relation to the proposed acquisition.
The ACCC invites customers of the SUPA IGA and Liquor Boss at Karabar to complete a short survey on their shopping habits.
The ACCC also invites submissions on its Statement of Issues by close of business on 12 January 2023.
Submissions should be forwarded electronically (preferably in PDF format) to mergers@accc.gov.au with the title “Submission re: Woolworths' proposed acquisition of SUPA IGA Karabar - attention Micaela Bassford".
Following the closing date, queries regarding the ACCC’s review may be addressed to Sophie Mitchell at mergers@accc.gov.au.
For more details, please refer to the attached Statement of Issues.
Market inquiries
Statement of issues
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 17/08/2022 | ACCC commenced informal review under the Informal Merger Review Process Guidelines. |
| 07/09/2022 | Closing date for submissions. |
| 08/11/2022 | Timeline suspended pending receipt of further information. Former proposed decision date for announcement of ACCC's findings (10 November 2022) is delayed. |
| 05/12/2022 | ACCC timeline recommenced. |
| 08/12/2022 | ACCC published a Statement of Issues outlining preliminary competition concerns. |
| 12/01/2023 | Closing date for submissions. |
| 20/03/2023 | ACCC is awaiting information from Woolworths. Former provisional date for announcement of findings (23 March) is delayed. ACCC will announce a proposed decision date in due course. |
Project staff
- Sophie Mitchell
- Andy Gallagher