The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission today released a Statement of Issues on the proposed acquisition by Gallagher Group of Country Electronics Pty Ltd, trading as Thunderbird.
Thunderbird is a manufacturer and supplier of electric fencing energisers and accessories, animal weigh scales and other animal management products used by farmers in Australia.
“The Statement of Issues seeks further information on certain competition issues, which have arisen from the ACCC's review to date,” ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said.
“Of particular note, Gallagher and Thunderbird are two of the three main suppliers of these products in Australia.”
“The ACCC is therefore investigating whether the increase in market concentration resulting from the proposed acquisition would be likely to substantially lessen competition, paying particular attention to the height of barriers to new potential market entrants.” Mr Sims said.
The ACCC invites further submissions from the market in response to the Statement of Issues by 15 February 2013. Subsequently, the ACCC's final decision will be deferred until 14 March 2013.
The Statement of Issues will be available at the Mergers register.
Submissions can be sent by email to the ACCC at mergers@accc.gov.au.