#CompetitionCommission

@chesbrad.bsky.social

1 month ago

Is the Pepkor / OK Furniture deal a threat to competition, or exactly what the South African economy needs to survive? 🇿🇦🛋️

Read the full contrarian take here:
ideaaccelerator.co.za/the-scale-or...

#Pepkor #Shoprite #SouthAfrica #Business #CompetitionCommission #EconomyOfScale

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bne IntelliNews

@intellinews.com

3 months ago

South Africa charges international shipping lines with alleged cartel conduct on key China trade routes Eight cargo shipping companies are accused of colluding to charge the same rate increases on routes between China and South Africa, with some routes to West Africa also affected.

Eight cargo shipping companies are accused of colluding to charge the same rate increases on routes between China and South Africa, with some routes to West Africa also affected. Bne IntelliNews #SouthAfrica #ShippingIndustry #CartelConduct #ChinaTrade #CompetitionCommission

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Faizel Patel

@faizelpatel.bsky.social

4 months ago

Competition Commission forces tech giants to make changes for SA users The inquiry found that global platforms dominate key gateways through which South Africans access information, namely search, social media, and AI-powered tools.

Competition Commission forces tech giants to make changes for SA users #CompetitionCommission #Tech #Google

wired2tech.co.za/competition-...

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@conzumertv.bsky.social

4 months ago

CCP's Major Action Against Telecom Cartel | ICH Case Recoveries Reach 772 Million Rupees | Conzumer Tv

Watch full Video: youtu.be/ghIXVFtOKqM

#CCP #TelecomCartel #ICHPakistan #CCPAction #CompetitionCommission #TelecomIndustry #PakistanNews #MarketRegulation #EconomicNews #ConzumerTV

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@conzumertv.bsky.social

5 months ago

CCP ka Faisla — Transport Associations Par Jurmana, Qeematain Tay Karna Gair Qanooni Qarar YouTube video by Conzumer TV

CCP ka Faisla — Transport Associations Par Jurmana, Qeematain Tay Karna Gair Qanooni Qarar | Conzumer Tv

Watch more: youtu.be/TEsBzEBlkYc

#CCPPakistan #CompetitionCommission #TransportFine #IllegalPricing #ConzumerTV #ConsumerRights #PakistanNews #MarketFairness #BusinessRegulation #PriceFixing

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All Namibian News

@namibiannews.bsky.social

7 months ago

NaCC finds no red flags in Mpact, Gondwana deals Allexer Namundjembo The Namibian Competition Commission (NaCC) has approved two merger transactions without conditions, finding that neither poses a risk to market competition in the country. The decisions appear in government gazette No. 8691, dated 17July 2025. The first merger involves Mpact Operations (Pty) Ltd and Seyfert Corrugated Western Cape (Pty) Ltd. The commission received the merger proposal on 8 April . Mpact produces paper-based packaging in Southern Africa. Seyfert manufactures corrugated packaging. Both companies are based in South Africa. NaCC examined the potential impact of the merger on the Namibian market, focusing on corrugated boxes and packaging supply. After review, it found the transaction would not significantly affect competition under section 47(2) of the competition act, 2003 and approved it without conditions. The second transaction involves Nature Investment (Pty) Ltd and Palmeiras Hotel CC which the NaCC received the proposal on 7 May 2025. Nature Investment is controlled by Gondwana Holdings Limited. Palmeiras Hotel, though inactive as a hospitality business, owns Erf No. 78, a commercial plot in Klein Windhoek zoned for office use. NaCC assessed the market for office-zoned land in that area and found no competition concerns. It approved the merger without conditions. Both decisions were signed by NaCC chairperson Andreas Penda Ithindi. “The commission carefully assessed the facts presented by the merging parties. In both cases, we concluded that the mergers are unlikely to pose any competition or public interest concerns in Namibia,” said Ithindi. He added that the approvals are based on submitted evidence and the provisions of the Competition Act. Ithindi also emphasised that the NaCC retains the authority to revoke a merger decision under Section 48(1) if any party provides misleading information or fails to comply with conditions. “The Commission remains vigilant and retains its legal powers to revoke a merger decision if the conditions or facts upon which approval was granted are violated or misrepresented,” Ithindi said.

#Namibia #CompetitionCommission #MergersAndAcquisitions #BusinessNews #MarketCompetition

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@namibiannews.bsky.social

8 months ago

NaCC rules Cheetah-Ohorongo deal a no-go Justicia Shipena The Namibian Competition Commission (NaCC) has blocked the proposed merger between Whale Rock Cement, trading as Cheetah Cement, and Schwenk Namibia, the parent company of Ohorongo Cement. The decision was announced on Friday, 4 July 2025, following an investigation into the acquisition filed on 17 February 2025. Whale Rock Cement had applied to acquire the entire issued share capital in Schwenk Namibia from Schwenk Zement International GmbH & Co. KG. Whale Rock Cement owns and operates a cement plant near Otjiwarongo and supplies the domestic market under the Cheetah Cement brand. Schwenk Namibia holds a controlling interest in Ohorongo Cement, one of the country’s largest cement producers. It also owns Energy for Future, a company that produces energy for Ohorongo using biomass sourced from clearing farm scrub. The Commission defined the relevant market as the production and supply of cement in Namibia. It found that the merger would turn the current duopoly into a monopoly, eliminating one of the country’s only two major competitors. NaCC warned that the deal would give the merged company excessive market power, enabling it to act without regard to normal market pressures. The potential consequences, according to the commission include higher cement prices, lower output, declining quality, and fewer choices for consumers. The effects, the Commission noted, would ripple through the construction sector and the broader economy. NaCC also raised concerns about employment. It said that overlaps between the two companies could result in job losses. It further warned that post-merger strategies might reduce tax contributions, which could negatively affect government revenue. “The transaction was found to be likely to substantially lessen or prevent competition in the relevant market,” the Commission stated. During a stakeholders’ meeting hosted by the NaCC in Windhoek, Otavi Constituency Councillor George Garab had objected to the merger, citing concerns over the potential sale of Ohorongo Cement to foreign investors. Garab, representing the Otavi Cement Group, expressed worry about the long-term impact of such a move on local interests. Nick Korb, speaking on behalf of a business consortium that includes also opposed the merger. He warned that it would collapse the current duopoly and create a monopoly. Ohorongo Cement is majority-owned by Schwenk Zement International GmbH & Co., which holds a 69.83% stake through Schwenk Namibia. The Industrial Corporation of South Africa owns 14.27%, the Development Bank of Namibia holds 11.73%, and the Development Bank of Southern Africa owns 4.17%. Transparency concerns also emerged during the meeting. It was revealed that Cheetah Cement had not informed its employees about the proposed merger. Company spokesperson Tabby Moyo confirmed the omission, saying it was done deliberately to avoid speculation and confusion among workers.

#Namibia #CementIndustry #CompetitionCommission #MergerNews #BusinessNews

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Brekkie

@brekkiebb.bsky.social

8 months ago

Absolutely criminal Sky Sports have increased thir charges to pubs from under £13000 a year to nearly £30000 - literally would be cheaper for most pub landlords to buy their customers and individual subscription. @ofcom.bsky.social #DCMS #CompetitionCommission need to get their act together.

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All Namibian News

@namibiannews.bsky.social

9 months ago

Goal Maize fined N$300 000 for anti-competitive deal Justicia Shipena Maize meal producer Goal Maize CC will pay a fine of N$300 000 after the Namibian Competition Commission (NaCC) found that it has engaged in anti-competitive conduct through an exclusive distribution deal that blocked other traders in northern parts of the country. The Namibian Competition Commission resolved on 14 March 2022 to initiate an investigation against Goal Maize CC and Ondangwa Farmers Market CC. The commission’s investigation, registered under case number 2020FEB0003COMP, found that Goal Maize signed a sole distributorship agreement with Ondangwa Farmers Market CC. The deal gave the company full control to supply maize meal in Kavango East and West, Kunene, Omusati, Oshana, Ohangwena, Oshikoto, and Zambezi. This arrangement meant other business owners were not allowed to buy maize meal directly from Goal Maize’s factory in Tsumeb. According to government gazette No. 8639, dated 2 May 2025, this agreement violated the Competition Act. The Commission said Goal Maize limited market access, gave different conditions for similar transactions, and abused its dominance. Kaoko Feeds & Licks CC, a business based in Opuwo, filed the complaint. It said it was denied the chance to buy maize meal directly from the factory, even though it was capable of doing so. The company instead had to buy through the Ondangwa distributor, paying more due to transport and retail markups. It said it had already made transactions worth N$79 000 this way. Although Goal Maize did not accept the commission’s interpretation of the law or admit guilt, it agreed to settle the matter. The settlement includes a N$200 000 fine and N$100 000 to cover the Commission’s investigation costs. The company also agreed to end its exclusive distribution practices, introduce a competitive compliance program within 60 days, review internal policies, train staff, and adopt a zero-tolerance approach to anti-competitive conduct. The Commission intends to present the consent agreement as a court order to the High Court for the matter to be considered fully settled. Goal Maize will also be expected to comply with competition rules moving forward. Legal practitioner Johannes Shangadi said exclusive agreements must be handled with care. “When they result in effective market closure, especially where the supplier is dominant, they raise serious concerns. The moment qualified traders are excluded from direct supply, such arrangements move from strategic to unlawful,” he said. He pointed out that this case shows the Commission’s strong position against agreements that limit market participation and highlights the need for following rules, ensuring access, and maintaining fair competition in supply chains.

#GoalMaize #Namibia #AntiCompetitive #CompetitionCommission #BusinessNews

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@namibiannews.bsky.social

10 months ago

Pepkor merger could strengthen market dominance Justicia Shipena The Namibian Competition Commission (NaCC) says the Pepkor Holding merger with national clothing retailer Big Daddy Clothing will strengthen an already dominant market position. The NaCC said it could also give the merging parties the ability to facilitate coordination. On Tuesday, the commission announced the approval of 13 mergers, following a meeting held on 8 May 2025. The first merger involves JD Financial Services Proprietary Limited acquiring the retail furniture segment of OK Bazaars Namibia Ltd, including the Furniture Debtors Book. JD Financial Services, which operates across various sectors such as retail, fintech, and strategic services, has extended its reach into the household furniture and appliances market. OK Bazaars, known for its OK Furniture and House and Home brands, also sells cellular products and household textiles. The second transaction involves Pep Stores Namibia, a subsidiary of Pepkor Holdings, acquiring the national clothing retailer Big Daddy Clothing. Pep Stores, which operates numerous well-known brands in Namibia, including Pep, Ackermans, and Tekkie Town, will take over Big Daddy Clothing, a family-owned business with 24 stores in the country. Big Daddy is known for offering fashion apparel at affordable prices, primarily for adults, with a limited range for children. ”The Commission’s investigation found that the proposed mergers would strengthen a dominant position and provide the merging parties with the ability to facilitate coordination, as envisaged by Section 47(2) of the Competition Act,” stated Dina Gowases, the corporate communications practitioner at NaCC. Gowases said they approved both transactions with specific conditions to mitigate potential anti-competitive effects. She added that the conditions imposed on these mergers aim to uphold market fairness and safeguard the public interest. “To ensure a competitive environment, we have imposed conditions such as commitments to support supplier relations and SMEs, prevent bundling of products, and prohibit merger-specific retrenchments,” Gowases explained. She added that these measures aim to preserve competitive dynamics within Namibia’s retail and furniture sectors while fostering sectoral growth and innovation, despite the consolidation of market power in these transactions. Pepkor Lifestyle would be purchasing 18 OK Furniture outlets and three House & Home stores from Shoprite. Pepkor already operates 16 stores in Namibia under its home and tech category, including Sleepmasters, HiFi Corp, and Incredible Connection. The approved deal will bring the total number of Pepkor’s furniture outlets in Namibia to 37.

#PepkorMerger #MarketDominance #NamibiaBusiness #CompetitionCommission #RetailIndustry

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All Namibian News

@namibiannews.bsky.social

10 months ago

Competition commission approves mergers with foreign companies British retail and sport organisation Sports Direct is one of three foreign entities given the green-light by the Namibian Competition Commission (NaCC) to merge with Namibian companies. The others are Australian mining company SQM Australia Pty (Ltd) and Novus Holdings Limited, that operates as a commercial printing, manufacturing and packaging business in South Africa. A statement issued by NaCC spokesperson Gina //Gowases last Wednesday said the commission had authorised seven mergers at a meeting on 17 February. Sports Direct, which offers a diverse mix of iconic sporting and retail brands, had its proposal to acquire S and R HoldCo (Pty) Ltd (Holdsport) approved without conditions. “Following the implementation of the proposed transaction, S and R Holdco will be controlled by Sports Direct,” said //Gowases. Holdsport Group incorporates retail, manufacturing, distribution and e-commerce businesses focused on the sport, outdoor and recreation sectors. Meanwhile, Novus Holdings Limited, which has a non-controlling interest in a tissue plant in South Africa, proposed to merge with Mustek Limited in the local information technology distribution, service, and support segments. “The proposed merger is unlikely to result in the elimination of an effective competitor, given that it is a conglomerate merger and it is approved without conditions,” said NaCC before giving the nod. Johannes George, who has business interests in health education, training and healthcare services consultation, sought approval to acquire erf 3955, extension 10, at Swakopmund. This is immovable property zoned for industrial use and is currently being leased by George for training purposes. “The proposed merger is not anticipated to adversely affect employment, and the transaction is, therefore, approved unconditionally,” noted the statement. The commission also approved, without conditions, Walvis Bay Grain Storage (Pty) Ltd’s application to acquire erf 3732 at Walvis Bay from Petrus van Niekerk. Walvis Bay Grain Storage, a subsidiary of Namib Mills Investment Group Trust, is involved in milling maize, mahangu and flour to make pasta, bread, instant porridge and animal feeds, as well as packaging sugar and rice. The commission assessed the proposed acquisition of Grace Simba Investments (Pty) Ltd by SQM Australia under an earn-in agreement between the parties. Grace Simba lnvestments is the holder of the Lithium Ridge Mining Licence 133 (ML 133), and was established to progress exploration for lithium within the area of ML133. “The Australians will make investments of a total expenditure over three-and-a-half years in three different stages to attain up to 50% ownership in Grace Simba Investments,” said the commission, adding that the proposed transaction was unconditionally approved. The commission also received a notification involving Alma Terra Mater Investments Namibia for the acquisition of the entire issued share capital in Protek Electronics and in the immovable property owned by Protek Electronics. In addition, Power House Holdings proposed to acquire the Windhoek Luxury Suites, a ring-fenced business of Red Trading Restaurant Close Corporation, which operates an accommodation establishment. “The commission approved the merger on condition there will be no merger-specific retrenchments by the merged undertaking for three years after the implementation date,” read the statement. Power House Holdings shall take over employment of all 17 employees of Windhoek Luxury Suites on terms “not less favourable than what exists and prevails on the approval date and the remaining three employees will continue to be employed by the Windhoek Luxury Suites,” directed the NaCC. – email: matthew@namibian.com.na The post Competition commission approves mergers with foreign companies appeared first on The Namibian.

#Namibia #SportsDirect #Mergers #CompetitionCommission #ForeignInvestment

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@namibiannews.bsky.social

10 months ago

Competition commission approves Vortex, Roots Abattoir merger The Namibian Competition Commission (NaCC) has approved the acquisition by Vortex Holdings Namibia of the remaining 50% shareholding in Roots Abattoir Enterprises. The decision was announced following a meeting of the board of commissioners held in February. According to NaCC findings, the transaction follows a previous acquisition where Vortex Holdings Namibia acquired an initial 50% stake in Roots Abattoir Enterprises, as well as Roots Farming Enterprises. NaCC spokesperson Dina //Gowases says the merger will have no effect on market concentration and, therefore, the current competitive conditions in the relevant market will prevail post-merger. “The merging parties do not operate in the same market – the proposed transaction, therefore, does not give rise to any integrations. The proposed transaction will not substantially lessen or prevent competition in the relevant market,” says //Gowases. //Gowases says the merger was approved on condition that there will be no job losses. “The proposed transaction will have no negative effect on employment insofar as the target undertaking is concerned, as there will be no job losses, including redundancies and retrenchments, as a consequence of the implementation,” she says. Additionally, the merger is expected to increase production capacity and will give rise to job creation. //Gowases says the initial transaction has not yet been implemented. According to its website, Vortex Holdings Namibia is a 100% owned subsidiary of VH Invest AG, a German holding company investing in companies working in technology, renewable energy projects, renewable energy project development and infrastructure investments. Meanwhile, Roots Abattoir Enterprises is actively involved in the slaughtering and processing of chickens. In 2021 the Roots Development project, which includes Roots Abbatoir Enterprises, had an investment of N$100 million. The project goal was to establish an agricultural town in each one of the 14 regions of Namibia, with the first roll-out being at Stampriet. The post Competition commission approves Vortex, Roots Abattoir merger appeared first on The Namibian.

#Namibia #CompetitionCommission #MergerApproval #BusinessNews #VortexHoldings

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@namibiannews.bsky.social

11 months ago

Competition commission clears RedForce of favouritism in tenders The Namibian Competition Commission (NaCC) has found no favouritism in RedForce Debt Management’s debt-collection tenders, but has highlighted concerns over unregulated fees. The competition watchdog made this finding following allegations on social media that the debt-collection agency had secured the majority of municipal debt-collection tenders due to favouritism. The commission submitted its findings to the Walvis Bay Municipality, which lost a court case last year after terminating RedForce’s services. The commission sought to determine whether RedForce and local authorities had entered into agreements that restricted competition by limiting or controlling production, market outlets, or access. “The awarding of the debt-collection tenders to RDM (RedForce) for the provision of debt services to local authorities was carried out in a transparent manner and in accordance with procurement laws,” the commission says. RedForce was found to have met all the requirements outlined in the tender invitations. Additionally, the company’s financial proposal to local authorities was deemed by the commission as being more favourable than those of its competitors. The commission also investigated whether RedForce held a dominant position in the market, given the number of tenders it had won with local authorities. Furthermore, it found that the company does not overcharge clients in terms of the Competition Act. “Debt related to essential services should not be subject to high interest rates or penalties, as this creates an unfair burden on the most vulnerable populations who are already struggling to make ends meet. The focus should be on providing support and enabling these debtors to pay off their debts over time, not penalising them further with high interest rates, which could lead to even more financial consequences,” the commission says in its report. It further established that RedForce charges a commission fee of between 10% and 12% of the total debt handed over by local authorities, as per their agreements. “This fee is passed directly to the debtors, increasing the amount owed by residents. Furthermore, RDM charges a monthly compounding interest on the outstanding debt, significantly increasing the total repayment amount,” the commission says. Although the commission acknowledges that requiring debtors to pay municipal debts plus the additional 10% to 12% fee to RedForce is generally detrimental, it concludes that this fee cannot be classified as a price. “There is no service being rendered to the debtors for this amount. RDM’s charge does not factor into the amount that local authorities charge their residents for services. This is a debt-collection fee that is currently unregulated.” The commission has thus determined that these collection fees do not fall within the scope of overcharging under competition law, specifically the section which addresses unfair pricing. Consequently, the commission says it could not probe this aspect of the complaint further. The post Competition commission clears RedForce of favouritism in tenders appeared first on The Namibian.

#Namibia #DebtCollection #CompetitionCommission #RedForce #Transparency

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@namibiannews.bsky.social

11 months ago

Competition commission clears RedForce of favouritism in tenders The Namibian Competition Commission (NaCC) has found no favouritism in RedForce Debt Management’s debt-collection tenders, but has highlighted concerns over unregulated fees. The competition watchdog made this finding following allegations on social media that the debt-collection agency had secured the majority of municipal debt-collection tenders due to favouritism. The commission submitted its findings to the Walvis Bay Municipality, which lost a court case last year after terminating RedForce’s services. The commission sought to determine whether RedForce and local authorities had entered into agreements that restricted competition by limiting or controlling production, market outlets, or access. “The awarding of the debt-collection tenders to RDM (RedForce) for the provision of debt services to local authorities was carried out in a transparent manner and in accordance with procurement laws,” the commission says. RedForce was found to have met all the requirements outlined in the tender invitations. Additionally, the company’s financial proposal to local authorities was deemed by the commission as being more favourable than those of its competitors. The commission also investigated whether RedForce held a dominant position in the market, given the number of tenders it had won with local authorities. Furthermore, it found that the company does not overcharge clients in terms of the Competition Act. “Debt related to essential services should not be subject to high interest rates or penalties, as this creates an unfair burden on the most vulnerable populations who are already struggling to make ends meet. The focus should be on providing support and enabling these debtors to pay off their debts over time, not penalising them further with high interest rates, which could lead to even more financial consequences,” the commission says in its report. It further established that RedForce charges a commission fee of between 10% and 12% of the total debt handed over by local authorities, as per their agreements. “This fee is passed directly to the debtors, increasing the amount owed by residents. Furthermore, RDM charges a monthly compounding interest on the outstanding debt, significantly increasing the total repayment amount,” the commission says. Although the commission acknowledges that requiring debtors to pay municipal debts plus the additional 10% to 12% fee to RedForce is generally detrimental, it concludes that this fee cannot be classified as a price. “There is no service being rendered to the debtors for this amount. RDM’s charge does not factor into the amount that local authorities charge their residents for services. This is a debt-collection fee that is currently unregulated.” The commission has thus determined that these collection fees do not fall within the scope of overcharging under competition law, specifically the section which addresses unfair pricing. Consequently, the commission says it could not probe this aspect of the complaint further. The post Competition commission clears RedForce of favouritism in tenders appeared first on The Namibian.

#Namibia #DebtCollection #CompetitionCommission #RedForce #Transparency

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@namibiannews.bsky.social

11 months ago

NCC investigates automotive industry NCC investigates automotive industry NBC Online Thu, 03/27/2025 - 16:08

#AutomotiveIndustry #NCCInvestigates #MarketRegulation #CarDealers #CompetitionCommission

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Aaj News

@aajnews.bsky.social

1 year ago

کمپنیوں نے خام اسٹیل کی قیمتوں میں 111 گنا اضافہ کیا

مزید پڑھیے: www.aaj.tv/news/30446604/

#AajNews #SteelMarket #CartelExposed #CompetitionCommission #PriceHike

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Eh!woza

@ehwoza.bsky.social

1 year ago

SIYABULELA MAKUNGA | Commission continues work on lower medicine prices One of the founding legislative ideals of the Competition Act 98 of 1998 is “to provide consumers with competitive price and product choices”. This legislative imperative is aptly foregrounded in the ...

[DailyRead] "Taking you back to early 2000s SA, the price of the ARV drug, AZT, was 665% higher than the best-priced generic alternative medication for AZT available elsewhere in the world." #HIV #TB #CompetitionCommission www.sowetanlive.co.za/opinion/colu...

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SAMDB

@samoviedatabase.bsky.social

1 year ago

The Court Has Decided – eMedia vs MultiChoice

#eMedia #MultiChoice #SABC #CompetitionCommission #sport #broadcast

www.samdb.co.za/blogs/blog/2...

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Posts tagged #CompetitionCommission