Taxi Services Co-operative Ltd - proposed acquistion by Penders Hire Pty Ltd and potential other bidders

Summary

Penders Hire Pty Ltd - proposed acquisition of Taxi Services Co-operative Limited

Market definition

Whilst the Commission did not consider it necessary to reach a conclusive view in relation to market definition, the Commission considered it likely that the most relevant market would be the market for the provision of taxi depot services to taxi operators in the Newcastle region. The Commission considered it possible that the provision of taxi booking and dispatch services may be part of a broader geographic market.

Competition analysis

The Commission considered it unlikely that the acquisition would substantially lessen competition in any possible relevant markets. The Commission noted that Penders Hire does not operate any other taxi depots. The Commission considered that financial interests relating to a small number of taxis outside of Newcastle did not raise any significant competition concerns.