Acquirer(s)
- ABC Learning Centres Limited
Target(s)
- Five Kids Academy child care centres in Sydney NSW
Summary
On 17 October 2008, ABC Learning Centres Limited acquired five Kids Academy childcare centres in New South Wales. The completion of this acquisition was ordered by the Supreme Court of New South Wales on 11 September 2008 and occured prior to ABC Learning Centres Limited being placed into voluntary administration. The ACCC's review of this matter began prior to ABC Learning Centres Limited being placed into voluntary administration.Market definition
The acquisition was assessed within the context of the following markets:1) The market for the supply of centre-based long day care services within a 10 km radius surrounding Kids Academy Erina Heights.
2) The market for the supply of centre-based long day care services within a 10 km radius surrounding Kids Academy Penrith and Zig Zags Childcare Centre in Regentville.
3) The market for the supply of centre-based long day care services within a 10 km radius surrounding Kids Academy Warnervale and Kids Academy Woongarrah.
Competition analysis
On 14 November 2008, it was decided that, noting the current situation where ABC Learning Centres Limited is in voluntary administration, and in any event recognising there were a number of competitors in these regions, the acquisition was unlikely to substantially lessen competition in any of the relevant markets.Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
ABC Learning Centres Limited informed the ACCC that it intended to complete the acquisition of five Kids Academy child care centres in the next week. |
|
ACCC commenced review under the Merger Review Process Guidelines. ACCC requested further information from ABC Learning Centres Limited. ACCC timeline suspended. |
|
ABC Learning Centres Limited acquired five Kids Academy child care centres. |
|
ACCC received further information from ABC Learning Centres Limited. ACCC timeline recommenced. |
|
ACCC announced it would not oppose the proposed acquisition. |