The merger of the Australian arm of Hutchison with Vodafone was announced on 9 February, and creates a joint venture called Vodafone Hutchison Australia Pty Limited (VHA).

The combined entity is the third-largest mobile operator in Australia, making it a target for ACCC scrutiny. A key consideration in the ACCC's investigation was whether increased concentration in the mobile sector would result in reduced pricing pressure for retail mobile telecommunications services.

Allens Arthur Robinson advised Hutchison, with partner Fiona Crosbie leading the Allens' competition team during the ACCC investigation.

"The last two months of the deal, in particular, involved an intense focus on securing clearance from the commission," Crosbie said.

The watchdog concluded that the proposed merger would not result in a "substantial lessening of competition" in the relevant markets.

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Corrs Chambers Westgarth and Clayton Utz acted for Vodafone.