ACCC identifies preliminary concerns with Google's purchase of Fitbit

The ACCC has outlined preliminary concerns with Google’s proposed acquisition of Fitbit. In particular, it has expressed concerns that ‘Google’s access to consumer health data may raise entry barriers, further entrench its dominant position and adversely affect competition in several digital advertising and health markets‘.

Feedback on the Statement of Issues is due by 10 July 2020. The proposed date for announcement of the ACCC’s decision is 13 August 2020.

See ACCC media release.

See merger register.

See also:

• Natasha Gillezeau, ‘ACCC to examine Google’s acquisition of FitBit’ (AFR, 18 June 2020)

• Tim Biggs, ‘Data deluge: Google's Fitbit acquisition could be anti-competitive, says ACCC’ (SMH, 18 June 2020)

• Amy Sarcevic, ‘ACCC concerned over Google’s potential acquisition of Fitbit’ (Technology Decisions, 18 June 2020)

• Christine Caulfield, ‘ACCC sweating the details of Google’s $3B Fitbit purchase’ (Lawyerly, 18 June 2020)

See further:

• Hugh Langley, ‘European regulators just set a July 20 deadline to decide whether they will allow Google's Fitbit deal to pass’ (Business Insider Australia, 17 June 2020)