Graeme Hall, partner at Buddle Findlay was interviewed by the NBR. Australian firm Complete Office Suppliers' (COS) has objected to the merger of OfficeMax and Staples, which would occur if US private equity firm Platinum Equity, which already owns Staples, is able to buy OfficeMax. "Ordinarily, if there is an issue arising in relation to a substantial lessening of competition in the context of a merger or acquisition, you'd expect the regulator [Commerce Commission] to address and deal with that," says Graeme. "In this instance a private party (an interested party) has taken the step itself, and this is open to anyone to do that but it is a bit unusual."
Listen to for the full interview below.