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Woolworths' play for City Kitchen not opposed by Australian antitrust regulator

( April 9, 2025, 00:15 GMT | Official Statement) -- MLex Summary: Australian retailer Woolworths Group’s attempt to acquire Beak & Johnston Holdings has been approved by the country’s competition regulator. In a statement today, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission said that while Woolworths had “significant bargaining power” in its dealings with ready meal suppliers, “in this case it was unlikely the acquisition would have a substantial anti-competitive effect.” The deal will result in Woolworths owning 100 percent of Beak & Johnston’s subsidiaries, including Beak & Johnston NZ Pty Ltd. Beak & Johnston Holdings, a frozen and chilled ready meals manufacturer, currently owns 77 percent of Beak & Johnston City Kitchen and Alors Holdings, while Woolworths owns 23 percent.  The New Zealand Commerce Commission is reviewing the proposed acquisition and is scheduled to announce its decision on April 17.The full statement and competition analysis by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission follows:...

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