Pernod Ricard Winemakers acquisition not opposed by ACCC

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced that it will not oppose the proposed acquisition of Pernod Ricard Winemakers by Australian Wine HoldCo Limited (AWL) through its subsidiary, Accolade.

AWL is owned by a consortium of institutional investors, led by Bain Capital Special Situations. Accolade owns wine brands including Berri Estates, Grant Burge, Petaluma, Hardys and St Hallett.

After a competition analysis, the ACCC concluded that the proposed acquisition is not likely to substantially lessen competition in any market in Australia.

“Based on our investigation, we consider the proposed acquisition is unlikely to substantially lessen competition in wine processing and packaging services, and similarly is unlikely to substantially impact competition in the wholesale supply of wine,” Dr Philip Williams said.

“We considered that if the acquisition went ahead, a number of other businesses will continue to offer competing processing services and also wine.”

AWL has welcomed the decision by the ACCC to grant merger clearance for the combination of Accolade Wines with Pernod Ricard’s Australian, New Zealand and Spanish wine businesses.

The combined entity will have a diversified portfolio of complementary old- and new-world wine labels, with operations in every continent. This is designed to make it better positioned to meet the challenges facing the wine industry.

AWL spokesperson Joshua Hartz said: “We welcome the ACCC’s decision. We have worked closely with all stakeholders to progress this combination and today’s milestone takes us a step closer. Importantly, management are focused on preparations for a smooth integration of the businesses once the deal completes.”

The transaction remains subject to other customary closing conditions, which need to be completed before the businesses can be combined.

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