Victorian Racing Industry intervenes in Australian Competition Tribunal application by Tabcorp for approval of proposed acquisition of Tatts Group

Client(s) Victorian Racing Industry

Jones Day represented the Victoria Racing Industry, consisting of Racing Victoria Limited, Harness Racing Victoria, and Greyhound Racing Victoria ("VRI") in its intervention before the Australian Competition Tribunal in the application by Tabcorp Holdings Limited for clearance of its proposed acquisition of Tatts Group.

The VRI intervened, and was allowed by the Tribunal to file evidence and interview witnesses. After a 14-day hearing, the Tribunal permitted Tabcorp to acquire Tatts but required certain divestments. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission ("ACCC") and one other intervener asked the Full Court of the Federal Court of Australia ("Federal Court") to review the decision. The Federal Court set aside the Tribunal’s decision, and asked the Tribunal to reconsider the matter. After further consideration, the Tribunal allowed the merger to proceed.