Summary

Coles Myer Limited (CML) proposed acquisition of Hedley Liquor Group (HLG).

Market definition

The ACCC considered the impact of the acquisition primarily on the market for retail packaged liquor for off-premises consumption in local areas in Queensland.

Competition analysis

The majority of HLG's outlets are located in northern Queensland where CML has no presence. Generally, CML has a relatively small presence in Queensland. In the small number of local markets where CML and Hedley both compete, the ACCC considered that the acquisition was unlikely to result in a substantial lessening of competition because of the existence of other competitors that would be likely to act as a competitive constraint on the merged entity.

Merger type

Horizontal