Gilbert + Tobin has advised EG Group on securing ACCC clearance for Ampol Limited’s proposed $1.1 billion acquisition of EG Australia, the first complex Phase II merger cleared under Australia’s new merger control regime.
EG Group is a global independent fuel and convenience retailer. The transaction will see Ampol acquire EG Australia’s national fuel and convenience retail network, after the ACCC confirmed it will clear the transaction subject to the acceptance of a court-enforceable undertaking from Ampol under section 87B of the Competition and Consumer Act.
The clearance is a significant marker for Australia's new merger control regime, which commenced on 1 January 2026. It is the first merger to receive clearance following a Phase II review under the new regime, giving early indications of the efficacy of the process for future complex transactions under the new process.
G+T advised EG Group on all corporate and competition aspects of the transaction. The matter was notified to the ACCC on 10 October 2025 and cleared following a review process of just under eight months.
The competition aspects of the transaction were led by Competition, Consumer and Market Regulation partner Andrew Low, supported by special counsel Sophie Player and lawyers Adrian Vipond, Jenny Li and Ruby Kesselschmidt. The team worked alongside G+T’s Corporate Advisory team led by Peter Cook and Ilona Hunnisett, who are advising EG on all aspects of the transaction.
Partner Andrew Low commented:
We are all very pleased to deliver this significant clearance for EG Group in an overall complex global environment for fuel. It is the right decision and paves the way for the next chapter of EG Group's future.The result underscores what can be achieved when thorough evidential analysis meets deep regulatory expertise, made possible in this matter by the combined efforts of a highly strategic EG Group and committed G+T team.
Gilbert + Tobin's Competition, Consumer and Market Regulation group is the go-to competition practice in Australia. The team is known for achieving outstanding commercial results through innovative solutions and perseverance, including in matters where previous applications for transaction clearance or dispute resolution have been unsuccessful. The group is recognised by the market, ranking Band 1 for Competition/Antitrust - Australia (Chambers Asia-Pacific 2026) and Tier 1 for Competition and Trade - Australia (Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2026).
