Decision Nº M/03/031 from Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, 2003-11-06

• Jurisdiction: Ireland
• Parties: Clashfern Holdings,Stafford Holdings
• Date: 06 November 2003
• Decision Date: 06 November 2003
• Status: Cleared (Phase 1)
• Court: Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (Ireland)
• Decision Number: M/03/031

Determination of the Competition Authority

Determination No. M/03/031 of the Competition Authority, dated 6th November

2003, under Section 21 of the Competition Act, 2002

Notification No. M/03/031 – Proposal by Stafford Holdings to acquire Clashfern

Holdings Limited

Introduction

1. On 6th October 2003 the Competition Authority, in accordance with Section 18

(1) of the Competition Act, 2002 (“the Act”) was notified, on a mandatory basis,

of a proposal whereby Stafford Holdings would acquire all the shares not already

held by it in Clashfern Holdings Limited.

The Parties

2. Stafford Holdings is an unlimited company registered in Ireland and a member of

the Stafford Group (Stafford), which is involved in a number of businesses

including the importation and distribution of oil products. Stafford currently

owns a 36.2% shareholding in Clashfern Holdings Limited.

3. Clashfern Holdings Limited is a private limited company incorporated in Ireland

and is a holding company for a number of subsidiaries, including Campus Oil

Limited, which are also involved in the importation and distribution of oil

products. The Clashfern Group (Campus) also operates a number of mainly

dealer owned service stations throughout Ireland selling motor fuels.

Analysis

4. The overlap in the parties’ activities occurs in the sale and distribution of certain

oil products, namely gas oil, kerosene and motor diesel.

Gas Oil

Gas oil is also known as agricultural oil or tractor diesel. It is used as a fuel for

heating in industry and households.

Kerosene

Kerosene is also used for heating in industry and households. Like gas oil,

kerosene may be sold either directly to end consumers or indirectly through

distributors.

Motor Diesel

Motor diesel is also known as DERV and is used for road vehicles. It has similar

properties to gas oil.

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