Woolworths seeks to acquire Beak & Johnston

January 07, 2025 — Woolworths Group Limited (Woolworths) has applied to the New Zealand Commerce Commission for clearance to acquire 100% of Beak & Johnston Holdings Pty Ltd (Beak & Johnston).

Woolworths is a major Australian retailer with a significant presence in New Zealand’s supermarket sector. Operating under the Woolworths/Countdown and Metro banners, as well as franchising SuperValue and FreshChoice outlets, Woolworths sells a variety of branded and private label ready-to-eat meals, soups, and slow-cooked meats. Importantly, Woolworths does not currently manufacture any grocery products in New Zealand.

Beak & Johnston, through its manufacturing facilities in both New Zealand and Australia, produces and supplies a similar range of products, including chilled and frozen ready-to-eat meals, chilled and ambient soups, and slow-cooked meats. These products are distributed to various customers, including grocery retailers, wholesalers, food service providers, quick service restaurants, and other organizations. Beak & Johnston’s product portfolio includes established brands such as Pitango, Artisano, Ready Chef, Beak & Sons, and Strength Meals Co. In addition to branded products, Beak & Johnston also manufactures private label products and imports and distributes Impossible Foods meat alternatives.

The proposed acquisition would see Woolworths, a major retailer of ready-to-eat meals, soups, and slow-cooked meats, acquire a significant manufacturer and supplier of the same product categories. This raises potential competition concerns that the Commerce Commission will assess as part of its clearance process. The Commission will likely focus on the potential for reduced competition in the supply of these products to retailers and other customers, as well as the impact on consumers.

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