/ 25 July 2011

‘Govt isn’t trying to block Walmart-Massmart deal’

Government is trying to toughen conditions rather than overturn the Competition Tribunal's decision on the Walmart-Massmart deal, media reports say.

South Africa is not seeking to overturn its competition regulators’ approval of Walmart buying control of local retailer Massmart but does want tougher conditions for the deal, Business Day reported on Monday.

Walmart finalised its $2.4-billion purchase of 51% of discount retailer Massmart on June 20, after winning approval with minimal conditions from South Africa’s Competition Tribunal.

It was reported last week that the government was appealing against the tribunal’s decision and wanted the court to either set aside the ruling or send the matter back for further consideration.

But Business Day quoted Department of Trade and Industry director general Lionel October as saying the government wants the antitrust authority to increase potential penalties for the companies if jobs are lost or local products are swamped by a surge in imports.

“The thrust is not blocking the merger any more. We’re more looking at the condition they gave,” October was quoted as saying.

One option being considered was to change the conditions of the R100-million fund to help local suppliers which was part of the deal.

October said if it could be shown that jobs were lost because Walmart was not buying from the local supply chain, then the US retailer would have a duty to improve on the programme. — Reuters