From any interested parties.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is seeking views on the proposed acquisition of The Good Guys by JB Hi-Fi. The ACCC’s investigation is focused on the impact on competition.

In particular, it is seeking views on:

whether JB Hi-Fi and the Good Guys compete closely in the supply of consumer electronics and home appliances

whether bricks and mortar retailers and/or online retailers would have the ability to constrain a combined “JB Hi-Fi-Good Guys”

the likely impact on prices and service levels if the proposed acquisition proceeds.

The legal test which the ACCC applies in considering the proposed acquisition is in section 50 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. Section 50 prohibits acquisitions that are likely to have the effect of substantially lessening competition in a market.

The ACCC is requesting responses by 5pm on 30 June 2016. Responses may be emailed to mergers@accc.gov.au with the title: Submission re: JB Hi-Fi – Good Guys – attention Madeleine Houghton/Karina Geddes. If you would like to discuss the matter with ACCC officers over the telephone or in person, or have any questions, please contact Madeleine Houghton on (02) 9230 3816 or Karina Geddes on (03) 9658 6442.

This matter is public and can be forwarded to anybody who may be interested.