The ACCC has decided not to object to the notification lodged by PaintRight Ltd (PaintRight) to enable it to continue to collectively negotiate with various suppliers on behalf of 57 independently owned and operated paint retailers across Australia, and future paint retailers that join this group.
PaintRight will collectively bargain price and other terms on behalf of members in relation to the provision of wholesale and retail support services to members by 30 listed suppliers, including suppliers of:
- paint, paint equipment and accessories
- wallpaper
- ladders
- aluminium trestles
- banking services
- marketing and web-based services.
Collective bargaining is voluntary for members of the group and for the suppliers. The Notification effectively provides a legal exemption; collective bargaining by retailers who are each other’s competitors may otherwise breach competition laws.
The notification was lodged on 10 August 2018 and the ACCC has decided to allow the notification to remain in force for a period of 10 years, until 9 August 2028, unless the notification is withdrawn or revoked.
For more information, please refer to the ACCC’s Collective Bargaining Public Register.