- Related capabilities
Navigating Australia’s competition/antitrust and consumer laws is a key consideration for any organisation carrying on business in Australia. In a constantly evolving regulatory landscape, clients value Addisons’ deep expertise in this area and experience dealing with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). For clients across a range of industries, we offer comprehensive and objective advice to support their tactical and strategic objectives.
We understand the stakes can be high. Organisations may risk significant sanctions, while individuals potentially face personal liability for breaches.
Our respected and experienced lawyers work closely with clients’ teams on all competition and consumer matters, providing tailored guidance on regulatory and compliance matters, deal structuring, commercial arrangements, marketing and advertising, and public communications as needed.
We advise international and domestic organisations and brand owners on compliance, provide training and practical and strategic advice to help avoid breaches, and represent clients facing allegations of anti-competitive conduct or breaches of consumer law. We are known for being accessible, commercially minded and responsive to clients’ transaction timetables. We get things done for clients, partnering with them to solve complex regulatory challenges and to deliver results.
Clients planning mergers or acquisitions appreciate our ability to provide integrated regulatory and M&A advice to ensure all aspects of their planned deals are considered, transactions are streamlined, and any obstacles addressed early.
obtained ACCC clearance on all transactions including Bega’s:
- acquisition of the Betta Milk and Meander Valley Dairy brands from TasFoods Group Limited in 2023.
- $534 million acquisition of Lion Dairy & Drinks, owners of the Dairy Farmers, Yoplait, Big M, Masters and Dare and Farmers Union iced coffee brands in 2020.
- $250 million acquisition of Saputo’s Koroit processing facility in 2018.
- $460 million acquisition of various assets from Mondelēz Australia including the VEGEMITE and peanut butter brands in 2017.
obtained ACCC clearance on a variety of transactions including the:
- acquisitions of various non-alcoholic drink brands in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, including Mount Franklin, Deep Springs, L&P and Kirks from TCCC’s bottling partner, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners in 2022 and 2023.
- acquisition of a 45% interest in the Made Group (owners of the Cocobella, Rokeby Farms, Impressed Juice and Nutrient Water brands), together with its bottler, then known as Coca-Cola Amatil, in 2018.
- sale of its 45% interest, together with its bottler in the Made Group.in 2021.
negotiated an enforceable undertaking between CSD and the ACCC in 2023 in relation to CSD’s agency agreements to address the ACCC’s view these may have the effect of substantially lessening competition in relevant markets.
every year since 2016, conducted comprehensive and in-depth cartel conduct and resale price maintenance audit as part of the client’s compliance initiatives and to assist the client determine the level of competition law risk exposure within their sales teams.
advised a variety of clients on unfair contract provisions, represented clients in ACCC investigations in this area and assisted clients effect industry change in relation to unfair practices of their competitors.
advised WFA in 2022 on multiple voluntary product recalls after mandatory standards for button batteries were introduced.
Recognition & Awards
Best Law Firms™ Australia – Sydney
2025 | Commercial Law