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Australia: Regulator to look at Coles-Supabarn deal

By  |  June 23, 2015

The Australian competition regulator has said it will launch a public review into Coles’ proposed acquisition of none Supabarn stores.

The deal, announced last week, will see Coles pick up four stores in the ACT, four stores in NSW, and one under-construction outlet. The Wesfarmers-owned group also said it will invest around A$30m on revamping the stores, while retaining existing staff.

Rod Sims, Chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, said that due to Supabarn’s position as a “significant independent supermarket chain”, a review has been launched to determine whether “its removal as a competitor would substantially lessen competition between supermarket chains”.

The review will be open for submissions from consumers, suppliers, supermarket operators and other interested parties from mid-July.

Full content: Smart Company

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