Woolworths has submitted its plans to New Zealand’s competition regulator to buy a clutch of assets from Australia-based food manufacturer Beak & Johnston.
Australia’s largest grocer, a customer of Beak & Johnston, has already made an application with its domestic anti-trust body.
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The deal does not cover all of Beak & Johnston’s business. According to the filings in both Australia and New Zealand, the company’s Greenacre unit is not part of the proposed acquisition.
Beak & Johnston Greenacre supplies sauces, soups, slow-cooked meats and other chilled ready meals.
Just Food has contacted Woolworths and Beak & Johnston to specify which assets will sit outside the transaction and provide details on their future ownership.
The proposed acquisition would see Woolworths buy the 77% interest in B&J City Kitchen Pty Ltd and Alors Holdings Pty Ltd that it does not currently own, as well as 100% of Beak & Johnson NZ Pty Ltd.
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By GlobalDataBeak & Johnston operates manufacturing facilities in Australia and New Zealand, making chilled and frozen food.
The company markets food under brands including Pitango, Artisano, Ready Chef, Beak & Sons and Strength Meals Co. Beak & Johnston also produces private-label items.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission had planned to announce its decision on the deal on 18 December but the announcement has been delayed. On a notice on the ACCC’s website, it said “will announce a revised provisional decision date in due course”.
New Zealand’s Commerce Commission plans to announce its decision on 12 March.
