Leading dairy companies Fonterra and National Foods are reportedly discussing the option of a joint bid for Australian dairy co-operative Dairy Farmers. Both companies have already sought ACCC approval for separate bids but a deal between the two is now in the offing. The idea would likely suit Fonterra as their desire to engage in a bidding war would have been reduced by their recent purchase of Nestlé’s Australian dessert and yoghurt operations. It is rumoured that the NZ dairy giant... ...Read more »

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Chairman, Mr Graeme Samuel, today launched a set of ACCC guidance materials on carbon offsets claims. The launch of new guidelines has been made to deal with concerns about marketers overstating the improvements organisations have made to their company to offset carbon emissions. “There is a growing trend of marketing claims about the ability to ‘neutralise’ the carbon footprint of, for example, cars, flights and households... ...Read more »

Graeme Samuel, Chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, appears set to be reappointed for another term. Cabinet has reportedly given the green light for Mr Samuel to continue in his current position with the approval of state governments currently being sought after. The process of appointing a Chairman for the competition watchdog begins with a Federal Government nomination which is then forwarded to the state governments to approve or reject the candidate. Mr Samuel, who... ...Read more »

The climate is now right for Australia to embark on a third wave of competition and consumer policy law reform, ACCC Chairman, Mr Graeme Samuel, said today. The proposed reforms already foreshadowed to the Trade Practices Act 1974, include changes to the misuse of market power and predatory pricing provisions, legislating against so-called creeping acquisitions, the introduction of criminal sanctions for cartel conduct and reforms to the whole framework of consumer protection. Mr Samuel said... ...Read more »

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) announced today that it will oppose the proposed acquisition of the Karabar Supabarn supermarket by Woolworths Limited. Woolworths proposed the takeover of the Queanbeyan Karabar Supabarn supermarket on April 7 and the ACCC has since been researching the potential impact on competition. With Woolworths operating a large supermarket in central Queanbeyan, the ACCC was concerned about the effect a takeover would have on competition in the area.... ...Read more »

The Supreme Court has approved Mackay Regional Council’s decision to oppose the development of a Woolworths supermarket earmarked for a site opposite Northern Beaches Shopping Centre. Councillor Di Hatfield, who handles Council’s Planning and Development portfolio, claims this decision vindicated the Council’s planning scheme. “The appeal judges in their decision have reinforced co-ordinated growth within the appropriate land zones and defence of the orderly development... ...Read more »

Following legal action by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, the Federal Court has declared that Nudie Foods Australia Pty Ltd made misleading claims about two of its juice products, Rosie Ruby and Rosie Blue, and breached the consumer protection provisions of the Trade Practices Act 1974. Nudie represented that the Rosie Ruby juice was solely Cranberry Cloudy juice and the Rosie Blue juice solely Cranberry Blueberry juice when in fact both the juices predominately comprised reconstituted... ...Read more »

Major legislation changes are likely to be recommended when the ACCC release their report into the competitiveness of the grocery industry, based on comments made by ACCC Chairman Graeme Samuel yesterday. Speaking at a lunch hosted by the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Mr Samuel indicated that he thought certain companies may have provided them with information that they would have preferred to keep secret.”The public hearings enabled us to put some people under the pump to find... ...Read more »

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) yesterday issued a Statement of Issues on the proposed acquisition of the Karabar Supabarn supermarket by Woolworths Limited.Woolworths proposed the takeover of the Queanbeyan Karabar Supabarn supermarket on April 7. The ACCC have since been researching the potential impact on competition with the Statement of Issues seeking further information on certain competition issues which have already arisen. With Woolworths operating a large supermarket... ...Read more »

The ACCC Grocery Price Inquiry held it’s last planned public hearing in Melbourne yesterday, with Metcash the final company to be put under the spotlight. Metcash, Australia’s largest wholesaler, was questioned on a range of issues, which have already been highlighted throughout the preceding months. The ACCC was particularly interested in the strength of price competition provided by independent grocers to the major supermarkets. ACCC Chairman, Graeme Samuel, questioned Metcash CEO,... ...Read more »