Premier Group: PMR-RFG revocation on Competition Commission issues looks impractical, in our view

Yesterday, the Competition Commission filed an application with the Competition Tribunal seeking revocation of the Tribunal's approval of the Premier–RFG transaction (approved 6 March 2026; implemented 30 March 2026). The Commission's case is that RFG allegedly failed to disclose information relating to a contemplated facility closure which would result in retrenchments, and that this would constitute a breach of the approval conditions. Premier responded today that it has, since July 2026, been actively engaging with the Commission on the potential closure, including providing a chronology of events and supporting documentation underpinning the decision-making process. Premier further stated that of the 409 employees affected, 407 opted for severance packages and two were absorbed within the business—arguing that this does not constitute a breach of retrenchment-related conditions. Premier also highlighted that the fruit business had been facing structural and economic pressures (decl