Coles launches first appeal under Australia's new merger regime
By Sean Maguire ( July 17, 2026, 06:35 GMT | Insight) -- Coles has appealed the Australian competition watchdog's decision to block its proposed acquisition of a supermarket and liquor-store site in Kalgoorlie, marking the first appeal under Australia's new mandatory merger regime. The supermarket giant asked the Australian Competition Tribunal to overturn the decision, arguing the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission had not reached the "objectively correct or preferable decision." The watchdog found the acquisition would likely force an independent supermarket from the market and substantially lessen competition.Coles has appealed the Australian competition watchdog's decision to block its proposed acquisition of a supermarket and liquor-store site in Kalgoorlie, marking the first appeal under Australia's new mandatory merger regime....
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