Woolworths Secures Green Light for Beak & Johnston Acquisition

The New Zealand Commerce Commission has officially approved Woolworths’ acquisition of Australian food manufacturer Beak & Johnston, concluding that the deal is unlikely to substantially lessen competition in the country’s grocery market.  

 

The decision follows an extensive investigation into potential impacts on rival retailers and suppliers, particularly in the ready-meal sector. Beak & Johnston produces a range of convenience foods, including chilled and frozen ready-made meals, pies, soups, and slow-cooked meats under brands such as Artisano, Beak & Sons, Pitango, Ready Chef, and Strength Meals Co.  

 

Commission Chair John Small stated that Woolworths would not have the ability or incentive to restrict rival retailers’ access to Beak & Johnston products. The regulator also dismissed concerns that Woolworths might delist competing brands or compromise their market presence, citing projected growth in the convenience food sector.  

 

The approval comes after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) cleared the acquisition earlier this month. Woolworths already owns a stake in Beak & Johnston’s Australian sister company, B&J City Kitchen, and intends to fully acquire it through this deal.  

 

Sources: MSN India, NewstalkZB, Insider Retail, Economic Times, Business Scoop, Just Food News