Mergers

ACCC won’t oppose Arrow and Apotex merger

The ACCC has decided not to oppose the merger of generic pharmaceutical companies Arrow and Apotex.

Arrow and Apotex both import and distribute generic prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. Combined, they will supply around half the market for generic prescription pharmaceuticals to pharmacies in Australia. However, after market inquiries and analysis of documents and data, the ACCC considers that the transaction will not substantially lessen competition in any market.

ACCC will not oppose acquisition of APA

The ACCC will not oppose the proposed acquisition of APA Group (ASX: APA) by the CK Consortium, after accepting a court-enforceable undertaking from the CK Consortium to divest significant gas assets in Western Australia.

“The ACCC concluded that, in the absence of the undertaking, the proposed acquisition was likely to substantially lessen competition,” ACCC Chair Rod Sims said.

ACCC will not oppose Transurban consortium WestConnex bid following undertaking

Sydney Transport Partners’ proposed acquisition of the majority interest in the WestConnex project won’t be opposed by the ACCC following the acceptance of court-enforceable undertakings. The undertakings require Transurban to publish important traffic data that will assist all bidders to compete for future toll road concessions.

Sydney Transport Partners is a consortium led by Transurban Limited (ASX: TCL).

ACCC will not oppose outdoor advertising deals

The ACCC announced today that it will not oppose the proposed acquisition of APN Outdoor Group Limited (ASX: APO) by JCDecaux SA or the proposed acquisition of Adshel Street Furniture Pty Ltd by oOh!media Limited (ASX: OML). The ACCC has been reviewing both acquisitions in the out-of-home advertising sector.

Out-of-home advertising, also known as “outdoor advertising”, includes advertising on billboards on the side of roads, on street furniture such as bus shelters and tram stops, on trains and buses, at train stations and leisure centres, and in airports and shopping malls.

ACCC to consult on Transurban data offer

The ACCC has today commenced consultation on a proposed undertaking offered by Transurban Limited (ASX: TCL), the lead member of the Sydney Transport Partners consortium proposing to acquire the majority interest in the WestConnex motorway.

In the proposed undertaking, Transurban agrees to publish detailed toll traffic data for all toll roads in New South Wales in which it holds an interest. This data is more detailed and accurate than data that is currently available or has been shared with the bidders for WestConnex.

ACCC to allow Energizer to acquire Spectrum assets

The ACCC has announced that it will not oppose the proposed acquisition of the global battery and portable lighting business of Spectrum Brands Holdings Inc. (Spectrum) by Energizer Holdings Inc. (Energizer).

Energizer and Spectrum are both global companies that supply consumer batteries and portable lighting devices. Spectrum’s main consumer battery brand in Australia is Varta.