ACCC review - MCS acquisition by Qube

As outlined in our previous member notice Qube Logistics (Aust) has announced it would acquire specialist transport, storage and handling business, Maritime Container Services (MCS).
 

MCS is a New South Wales based business involved in the provision of import and export container services in Sydney, including the operation of empty container parks in Cooks River and Banksmeadow and road transport – please also refer to the Feature Article in the current Summer edition of "Across Borders".
 

UPDATE:
 

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is currently reviewing the acquisition of MCS by Qube Logistics and are seeking comments about the likely impact of the transaction on competition.

In particular, the ACCC has contacted the Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association for views on the following: 

• The likely impact of the transaction on the price for

  • storage of empty shipping containers

  • transport of empty shipping containers to and from empty container storage parks

• The importance of proximity of empty container storage parks to Port Botany

• The importance of rail access to empty container storage parks

Further information can also be found on the ACCC's public register. There is also a publication that sets out the ACCC's approach to reviews of mergers and acquisitions.

Written submissions are due by 5pm on 1 February 2018, and information about the confidentiality of the market inquiries is included in the attached formal correspondence received from the ACCC. 

To contribute to the FTA / APSA submission, please send details to me at secretariat@auspsa.com by Wednesday 24 January 2018. 

ACCC ENGAGEMENT:

FTA and APSA representatives will also be meeting with the Chairman of the ACCC, Rod Simms, on 16 February 2018, to address a number of competition and consumer concerns identified by our members. More details will be provided after that meeting.

Travis Brooks-Garrett – FTA / APSA