Ecolab Pty Ltd - proposed acquisition of Cleantec business of Campbell Brothers Ltd

Market definition

The ACCC considered the proposed acquisition in the context of the national market for the supply of commercial cleaning products and ancillary services.

Competition analysis

Although the proposed acquisition would result in a more highly concentrated market, the ACCC considered that the proposed acquisition was unlikely to result in a substantial lessening of competition due to:

- the number of alternative competitors remaining post-acquisition for customers not requiring high-frequency service;

- remaining firms, particularly Jasol and Diversey, that are likely to constrain the merged firm in tenders for high-volume customers requiring specialised services as well for as for low-volume customers;

- barriers to expansion not being prohibitive despite finding that sunk costs and long term contracts may deter a large-scaled and timely entry; and

- some large-volume customers having some degree of countervailing power.