Competition Bureau Challenges Acquisition of Ridge Landfill by Canadian Waste Services Inc.
OTTAWA, April 26, 2000 — The Competition Bureau has today filed an application with the Competition Tribunal challenging the acquisition by Canadian Waste Services Inc. of the Ridge landfill in southern Ontario, from Browning-Ferris Industries Ltd., a subsidiary of Allied Waste Industries Inc. The Bureau has conducted a thorough investigation and has concluded that this acquisition will likely result in a substantial lessening or prevention of competition in disposal markets in southern Ontario.
"The Bureau must take steps to preserve competition in the waste industry," said Konrad von Finckenstein, Commissioner of Competition. "We are challenging this matter because we believe customers in southern Ontario would otherwise face higher prices."
The Commissioner has requested a Consent Interim Order from the Competition Tribunal to ensure that the Ridge landfill is kept separate from the business operations of Canadian Waste Services until a decision is rendered. The order provides for an independent manager, Hugh Thomas Consulting Ltd.,to be appointed by the Tribunal to manage and operate the Ridge independently of Canadian Waste Services, under the supervision of an independent monitor, Deloitte & Touche. The Consent Interim Order proposed by the Commissioner is intended to ensure that the closing of this transaction will not limit the Tribunal's ability to order a remedy.
The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency that is responsible for merger review and the lawful conduct of business in Canada, as defined by theCompetition Act.
For more information, please contact:
Julie Hébert
819-953-4257
