On 5 November 2019 the ACCC launched an informal review of Bunnings Group Ltd’s proposed acquisition of Adelaide Tools and Oaklands Mower Centre.

Magistrate Megan Greenwood will allow bankers accused of cartel conduct to question JPMorgan executives (immunity applicants) about how evidence was collected and how immunity was negotiated in case alleging cartel conduct by ANZ, Citi and Deutsche:

AFR reports that the ACCC is in ‘advanced stages of preparing evidence to launch legal action related to the demise of former mobile advertising technology high-flyer Unlockd’, alleging misuse of market power under s 46 of the Act.

The ACCC has instituted Federal Court proceedings alleging Google LLC and Google Australia Pty Ltd misled consumers about the collection and use of personal location data.

ACCC Chair, Rod Sims, has defended the ACCC’s proposal to amend the merger provision in the Competition and Consumer Act to require certain additional factors to be taken into account when assessing the likely competitive impact of mergers.

The trial in the Vodafone/TPG merger case has concluded and judgment reserved. A decision is not expected until at least February 2020.

It has been reported that the ACCC is pushing for a criminal prosecution against BlueScope and former senior representatives in relation to alleged cartel conduct, with the CDPP considering a brief of evidence to decide whether to prosecute; a decision is anticipated by the end of October.

ACCC Chairman, Rod Sims, has expressed concern about a lack of competition in retail banking and stated that he would be speaking to the Treasurer about the scope of the next regular ACCC inquiry into the sector.

The ACCC will not oppose the proposed acquisition of Australian Independent Rural Retailers by Elders. The ACCC considered the potential for vertical integration concerns, but noted that market feedback 'suggested that most independent retailers consider they have sufficient alternative supply options if Elders attempted to discriminate against them'.

The ACCC announced it would not oppose Nine-Fairfax merger.