ACCC relay poultry takeover concerns

The acquisition of Australia's second largest chicken producer, Bartter, by Baiada may yet be blocked by the competitive regulator, with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) releasing a Statement of Issues highlighting concerns with the proposal.

A takeover is likely to see Baiada claim top spot from Ingham's Enterprises.

The competition watchdog is worried about a potential lessening of competition in two main areas like the market for the acquisition of chicken grower services in the west Victoria region and the market for the supply of poultry to national wholesale customers, including supermarkets and quick-service restaurants.

ACCC commenced their inquiries in November and have postponed their final decision to allow further market inquiries in response to the Statement of Issues.

Baiada Poultry Pty Limited is a privately owned Australian company which provides poultry products throughout Australia. Baiada's business includes broiler & breeder farms, hatcheries, processing plants, feed milling and protein recovery.