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Australian Watchdog Probes MicroStar–Konvoy Merger

By  |  August 24, 2025

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has begun examining the proposed merger between keg services operator MicroStar, which trades locally as Kegstar, and rival Konvoy, which entered administration and receivership earlier this year.

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    According to a statement from the ACCC, both companies are the only providers of keg pooling services in Australia. The system allows brewers to rent kegs from a shared pool for short-term use when supplying beer and ready-to-drink beverages to customers. The regulator noted that the acquisition would effectively unite the only two suppliers in this market.

    MicroStar, which is headquartered in the United States and also operates in Europe, the UK, New Zealand and Australia, entered the Australian market in 2021 by acquiring the Kegstar business from Brambles Limited. Kegstar was originally founded by Adam Trippe-Smith, who later launched Konvoy in 2019 after leaving the company. Per a statement from the regulator, competition between the two intensified as both began offering keg pooling services. Konvoy eventually entered voluntary administration and underwent a sales process, during which MicroStar secured the purchase.

    In parallel with its Australian bid, MicroStar submitted a clearance application last month to the Commerce Commission in New Zealand regarding its proposed acquisition of Konvoy’s New Zealand assets.

    ACCC commissioner Philip Williams said many craft breweries rely heavily on pooling services to supply pubs and bars beyond their immediate areas and are unlikely to have the resources to invest in their own keg fleets. According to the ACCC, survey findings indicate that alternatives such as leasing or owning kegs are not effective substitutes, and new competition in keg pooling is improbable.

    Williams stated that the commission’s preliminary view is that the merger would likely reduce competition substantially in the supply of keg pooling services in Australia.

    The ACCC has invited submissions from stakeholders in response to its Statement of Issues, with a deadline set for 28 August 2025.

    Source: The Drinks Business