Earlier today, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission announced it had “identified preliminary competition concerns” and published a Statement of Issues in relation to Coles’ proposed acquisition of two Saputo milk processing sites in Victoria and NSW.
Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) president Rick Gladigau says ADF is reassured by the ACCC’s announcement that it will progress the review of the proposed acquisition with a formal Statement of Issues.
Mr Gladigau says this decision suggests the ACCC recognises there are potential competition concerns that warrant further investigation.
“Dairy farmers need strong competition for their milk at the farmgate. ADF does not wish to see a sale that disadvantages dairy farmers in the long-term,” Mr Gladigau says.
“ADF looks forward to engaging with the ACCC further to ensure an outcome is achieved that benefits – or at least does not disadvantage – dairy farmers and the market, more generally.”