Weekly ACCC Deal Digest (22 Oct 2026)

Forwarded this email? You can subscribe here for free to get next week’s edition.

The IAG–RAC Insurance merger has become the first deal to enter the public benefit phase of Australia’s new merger regime.

After blocking the transaction in September, the ACCC must now consider whether likely public benefits outweigh its likely detriments. With “public benefit” left deliberately broad in the Act, the case should offer the first real indication of how the test will work in practice.

Read IAG and RAC’s claimed public benefits

Acting: HSF Kramer’s Stephanie Panayi for RAC Holdings; Allens’ Jacqueline Downes for IAG.

Grape Growing | Fruit and Vegetable Wholesaling

Fruitico Pty Ltd, a Fresh Produce Group subsidiary, proposes to lease and option to purchase Terra Farm and Sunsweet Farm from the Bumbak Group. This asset transaction involves the Western Australian farms’ table grape growing operations, including water shares and equipment. Fresh Produce Group is a national produce supplier.

MN-15053 ↗ · Notification, Phase 1 · notified 20 October 2026 · determination due 1 December 2026

Other Auxiliary Finance and Investment Services | Scientific Research Services | Pathology and Diagnostic Imaging Services

Novotech Aus BidCo Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Novotech SG Holdings Pty Ltd, proposes to acquire 100% of the shares in Agilex Biolabs Pty Ltd. The acquirer is a global clinical research organisation, and Agilex is an Australian specialist bioanalytical services provider supporting drug development programmes.

MN-45032 ↗ · Notification, Phase 1 · notified 20 October 2026 · determination due 1 December 2026

Residential Property Operators

IPLiving, a joint venture between Zig Inge Group and Palisade Impact Fund, proposes an asset acquisition of the retirement village businesses and assets of Springwood Living Group. This includes the Woniora retirement village in Wahroonga and the Healey retirement village in Moorabbin, expanding IPLiving's existing retirement living portfolio in New South Wales and Victoria.

MN-01126 ↗ · Notification, Phase 1 · notified 19 October 2026 · determination due 30 November 2026

Liquor Retailing | Cafes and Restaurants | Pubs, Taverns and Bars | Amusement and Other Recreational Activities n.e.c.

AVC Operations Pty Limited, a subsidiary of Australian Venue Co. Holdings Ltd, is acquiring substantially all assets of two Western Australian licensed venues: The Breakwater (Hillarys) and Print Hall (Perth). Wintime Nominees Pty Ltd and Sunliner Holdings Pty Ltd (Night Owl Group) are the vendors in this asset acquisition, expanding AVC's hospitality portfolio.

MN-85060 ↗ · Notification, Phase 1 · notified 19 October 2026 · determination due 30 November 2026

Oil and Gas Extraction | Other Electrical Equipment Manufacturing | Fossil Fuel Electricity Generation | Water Supply | Other Machinery and Equipment Wholesaling n.e.c.

ABB Ltd, via ABB Automation Holding UK Limited, proposes to acquire all shares in Rotork plc through a public takeover and scheme of arrangement. Both companies are active in the global and Australian flow control industry, supplying equipment like actuators, positioners, and field instruments for various industrial applications.

MN-75061 ↗ · Notification, Phase 1 · notified 17 October 2026 · determination due 27 November 2026

Fertiliser Manufacturing | Industrial and Agricultural Chemical Product Wholesaling

Koch, Inc., through KAES Phosphate Holdings, LLC, will acquire a 50% share interest in Jorf Fertilizers Company I, S.A. (JFC1). JFC1 processes phosphoric acid, phosphorus-based fertiliser, and sulfuric acid. This creates a joint venture between Koch and OCP S.A. in the global fertiliser manufacturing and wholesaling industry, impacting Australia.

MN-10039 ↗ · Notification, Phase 1 · notified 16 October 2026 · determination due 27 November 2026

Cafes and Restaurants | Pubs, Taverns and Bars

AVC Operations Pty Limited, a subsidiary of Australian Venue Co. Holdings Ltd, proposes to acquire substantially all assets of Molly’s Irish Pub, Highgate and Molly’s Irish Pub, Victoria Park, Perth, from Toucan Hospitality Pty Ltd and Toucan Hospitality VP Pty Ltd. This asset acquisition involves two licensed hospitality venues in Western Australia.

MN-70047 ↗ · Notification, Phase 1 · notified 16 October 2026 · determination due 27 November 2026

Software Publishing | Financial Asset Investing | Other Auxiliary Finance and Investment Services | Management Advice and Related Consulting Services

US investment firm Thoma Bravo, LP, through controlled entities, proposes a share acquisition of the Tanda human capital management software business (EPI Capital Pty Ltd and Tanda HR Services Pty Ltd), which specialises in workforce management for shift and hourly workers. Thoma Bravo already supplies this software in Australia via Dayforce Inc.

MN-80047 ↗ · Notification, Phase 1 · notified 16 October 2026 · determination due 27 November 2026

Veterinary Services

CVS Group proposes to acquire the business and assets of Karrinyup Small Animal Hospital, a small animal veterinary practice in Perth, Western Australia. This transaction involves the small animal veterinary services industry. CVS Group is an integrated veterinary services provider with existing practices in Perth.

MN-01127 ↗ · Notification, Phase 1 · notified 15 October 2026 · determination due 26 November 2026

Other Auxiliary Finance and Investment Services | Child Care Services

Camp Australia Pty Ltd, owned by Allegro Funds, proposes to acquire 20 outside school hours care businesses and assets from Jabiru Community Services Limited via an asset sale. Camp Australia is a national provider of these services; Jabiru is a Queensland-based not-for-profit.

MN-15048 ↗ · Notification, Phase 1 · notified 15 October 2026 · determination due 26 November 2026

Computer System Design and Related Services | Other Gambling Activities

Tabcorp Holdings Limited proposes to acquire 100% of BetMakers Technology Group Limited via a scheme of arrangement. This transaction combines Tabcorp's wagering, media, and integrity services with BetMakers' global B2B wagering technology, data, and analytics for the racing and betting industry.

MN-20040 ↗ · Notification, Phase 1 · notified 15 October 2026 · determination due 26 November 2026

Human Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Product Manufacturing | Other Grocery Wholesaling

Kirin Holdings Company, Limited proposes to acquire 100% of the share capital of Jamieson Wellness Inc. This share acquisition will see Kirin, active in beverages and natural health products via Blackmores, take control of Jamieson, a global manufacturer and supplier of vitamins and dietary supplements with products in Australia.

MN-55040 ↗ · Notification, Phase 1 · notified 15 October 2026 · determination due 26 November 2026

Other Specialised Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing | Air and Space Transport | Technical and Vocational Education and Training

FlightSafety International Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company, proposes to acquire all shares in Horizon CTS Corp. (operating as Commercial Training Solutions) from Acron Technologies, LLC. This transaction unites FSI's business aviation training and simulation products with CTS's commercial aviation training and flight simulation device manufacturing expertise.

MN-50040 ↗ · Notification, Phase 1 · notified 13 October 2026 · determination due 24 November 2026

Still trying to wrap your head around the ACCC’s new merger laws?
We’ve got an overview of the new regime and guides from leading law firms explaining it all.

Financial Asset Investing | Veterinary Services

Bridgepoint Group plc, via SCUR-Alpha 2081 GmbH, proposes to indirectly acquire an 85-95% controlling interest in Altano International GmbH. Altano is an equine veterinary platform with 10 Australian clinics. Bridgepoint is a private asset manager. This is an indirect share acquisition.

WA-15049 ↗ · Waiver · notified 28 September 2026 · approved 21 October 2026

Financial Asset Investing | Pathology and Diagnostic Imaging Services

Imaging Associates Radiology Pty Ltd, backed by Advent Partners Pty Ltd, proposes to acquire 100% of the shares in Country Radiology Pty Ltd (trading as Sunraysia Radiology). This transaction in the diagnostic imaging services sector sees Imaging Associates expand its network by acquiring Sunraysia Radiology's single Mildura, Victoria clinic.

WA-80046 ↗ · Waiver · notified 23 September 2026 · approved 21 October 2026

Oil and Gas Extraction | Petroleum Exploration

INPEX Ichthys Pty Ltd and INPEX Holdings Australia Pty Ltd are acquiring JERA's 0.735% interest in the Ichthys LNG Project. This oil and gas transaction increases INPEX's stake in the project, which produces up to 9.3 million tonnes of LNG. The acquisition involves asset and share interests.

WA-85057 ↗ · Waiver · notified 25 September 2026 · approved 21 October 2026

Road and Bridge Construction | Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction | Engineering Design and Engineering Consulting Services | Corporate Head Office Management Services

Macmahon Holdings Ltd proposes to acquire 100% of the issued share capital of Aspect Engineering Solutions Pty Ltd and its subsidiaries. Macmahon is an ASX-listed diversified contracting company providing mining and civil construction services. Aspect offers multi-disciplinary engineering, project delivery, and maintenance services to Western Australian gold, lithium, and critical minerals clients.

WA-40045 ↗ · Waiver · notified 22 September 2026 · approved 20 October 2026

Oil and Gas Extraction | Petroleum Exploration

Woodside Browse Pty. Ltd., a Woodside Energy Group subsidiary, is acquiring PetroChina International Investment (Australia) Pty Ltd's 10.67% participating interest in the Browse unincorporated joint venture. This asset sale in the oil and gas sector involves an undeveloped conventional gas resource off Western Australia, aiming for LNG and domestic gas production.

WA-55038 ↗ · Waiver · notified 18 September 2026 · approved 20 October 2026

Software Publishing | Financial Asset Investing | Other Auxiliary Finance and Investment Services

Vamos Topco Aggregator L.P., backed by Warburg Pincus LLC, proposes to acquire 100% of the shares in EO Bidco Pty Ltd, holding company of the Australian Vintrace wine production software platform. Brew Seller LLC, formed by Encompass + Orchestra Inc, is the seller in this global food and beverage ERP solutions sector acquisition.

WA-55039 ↗ · Waiver · notified 21 September 2026 · approved 20 October 2026

Plumbing Goods Wholesaling | Financial Asset Investing

Brookfield Corporation, through Aurora Aus Bidco Pty Ltd, is acquiring 100% of the issued shares in Australian publicly listed Reliance Worldwide Corporation Limited, a global designer, manufacturer and supplier of plumbing and heating products and solutions. Brookfield Corporation is a global investment firm.

WA-05056 ↗ · Waiver · notified 30 September 2026 · approved 19 October 2026

Computer and Computer Peripheral Wholesaling | Telecommunication Goods Wholesaling | Other Electrical and Electronic Goods Wholesaling | Computer and Computer Peripheral Retailing | Other Professional, Scientific and Technical Services n.e.c.

Dicker Data Limited proposes to acquire all shares in Sektor Group Limited via a Share Purchase Agreement. This transaction involves two distributors of IT and IT-related products and value-added services to resellers in Australia and New Zealand, with Sektor also operating in Thailand and Malaysia.

WA-40048 ↗ · Waiver · notified 7 October 2026 · approved 19 October 2026

Management Advice and Related Consulting Services | Child Care Services

Guardian Community Early Learning Centres Pty Ltd (Guardian Childcare & Education) is acquiring substantially all assets of the Mini Masterminds Macquarie Park childcare centre from MMZ 21 Pty Ltd. This asset acquisition in the childcare services industry will facilitate Guardian's relocation of staff and families from its closing Macquarie Park and Marsfield centres in NSW.

WA-01125 ↗ · Waiver · notified 18 September 2026 · approved 16 October 2026

Other Electronic Equipment Manufacturing | Other Electrical Equipment Manufacturing | Other Electrical and Electronic Goods Wholesaling

Schneider Electric Industries SAS, via its subsidiary SE 2026 A, proposes to acquire sole control of Shelly Group SE through share acquisitions and a public takeover offer. This transaction involves the smart home automation solutions sector, where both parties supply products in Australia. Schneider Electric also operates in power management.

WA-35053 ↗ · Waiver · notified 24 September 2026 · approved 16 October 2026

Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction | Financial Asset Investing

Funds managed by Crescent Capital Partners Management Pty Limited, via Hamilton Bidco Pty Ltd, propose to acquire 100% of the shares in Hall Holdco Pty Ltd (Hall Contracting). Hall Contracting provides marine infrastructure construction, dredging, and water/tailings management services.

WA-65040 ↗ · Waiver · notified 14 September 2026 · approved 16 October 2026

Iron Ore Mining | Gold Ore Mining | Water Freight Transport | Other Transport Support Services n.e.c. | Financial Asset Investing | Other Auxiliary Finance and Investment Services

Crestlink Koolan Pty Ltd, backed by Cerberus Capital Management, proposes a 100% share acquisition of MGX Resources Limited's subsidiary, Aztec Resources Limited. Aztec holds the Koolan Island iron ore mining assets, with production ending July 2026. Crestlink, an infrastructure and logistics provider, will undertake rehabilitation and establish a Kimberley logistics hub.

WA-80044 ↗ · Waiver · notified 11 September 2026 · approved 16 October 2026

Aircraft Manufacturing and Repair Services | Other Machinery and Equipment Wholesaling n.e.c. | Financial Asset Investing | Other Motor Vehicle and Transport Equipment Rental and Hiring

ORIX Aviation Systems Limited, a subsidiary of Japan-based ORIX Corporation, proposes to acquire 100% of the shares in Atlantic Holdco Limited, including its subsidiary AerFin Limited. This transaction combines ORIX Aviation's aircraft leasing and asset management with AerFin's aviation aftermarket specialisation in parts trading and repair services.

WA-90035 ↗ · Waiver · notified 21 September 2026 · approved 16 October 2026

Software Publishing

Loftware Inc. proposes to acquire Sigma Guarantor LLC and its subsidiaries (Seagull Software), both developers and suppliers of labelling software. Loftware, jointly controlled by Accel KKR and Riverside Healthcare Partners, will see these investors contribute further equity. Seagull is controlled by Peak Rock Capital. The transaction is structured as a share sale.

WA-40044 ↗ · Waiver · notified 18 September 2026 · approved 15 October 2026

Other Electrical and Electronic Goods Wholesaling | Financial Asset Investing | Scientific Testing and Analysis Services | Management Advice and Related Consulting Services | Electronic (except Domestic Appliance) and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance

EQT Fund Management, on behalf of EQT X, proposes to indirectly acquire sole control of Intertek Group Plc via a scheme of arrangement. EQT's portfolio company, Trescal, and Intertek both provide calibration services. Intertek also offers broader assurance, testing, inspection, and certification services globally.

MN-75045 ↗ · Notification, Phase 1 · notified 14 September 2026 · approved 21 October 2026

Other Professional and Scientific Equipment Manufacturing | Other Electrical Equipment Manufacturing | Pump and Compressor Manufacturing | Other Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing n.e.c. | Financial Asset Investing | Computer System Design and Related Services

Xylem Water Solutions U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Xylem Inc., proposes to acquire 100% of the equity interests in Flow Controls Holding, LLC. This share sale involves two water technology companies. Xylem provides water and wastewater solutions and pumps, while Flow Controls supplies pumps and related monitoring solutions for industrial applications.

MN-85054 ↗ · Notification, Phase 1 · notified 28 September 2026 · approved 21 October 2026

Other Auxiliary Finance and Investment Services | Computer System Design and Related Services

Visa Open Connect Limited, a subsidiary of global payments technology company Visa, Inc., intends to acquire all shares in Israeli security software company BioCatch Ltd. This transaction will enhance Visa's fraud and risk management solutions by integrating BioCatch's behavioural biometric authentication technology for real-time cyber threat detection.

MN-75056 ↗ · Notification, Phase 1 · notified 24 September 2026 · approved 20 October 2026

Cured Meat and Smallgoods Manufacturing | Milk and Cream Processing | Cheese and Other Dairy Product Manufacturing | Dairy Produce Wholesaling | Financial Asset Investing

BSA SAS (Lactalis), a global dairy group with significant Australian operations, proposes to acquire 100% of the issued share capital of Saputo Dairy UK Ltd from Saputo Foods Limited, a subsidiary of Saputo Inc. This share acquisition involves a UK-based cheese and dairy spreads manufacturer with Australian wholesale supply.

WA-60046 ↗ · Waiver · notified 15 September 2026 · waiver refused 20 October 2026

Land Development and Subdivision | Supermarket and Grocery Stores | Fruit and Vegetable Retailing | Other Store-Based Retailing n.e.c. | Residential Property Operators | Non-Residential Property Operators | Real Estate Services

Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Coles Group Limited, is acquiring a leasehold interest for a new supermarket site in a Narangba East, Queensland neighbourhood centre from OptionCo Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Consolidated Properties Group Pty Ltd, supporting Coles' supermarket operations.

WA-80043 ↗ · Waiver · notified 15 September 2026 · waiver refused 20 October 2026