alexandra merrett

About Me

about me

I am an independent special counsel, practising exclusively in the field of competition and consumer law.


I principally work with small to medium corporate law firms and their clients in relation to merger clearances, ACCC processes (including investigations), risk management and compliance, as well as general advisory work.


I also advise a number of commercial clients directly, often in relation to legislative reform or general strategy concerning regulatory engagement. 

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Services

Merger Assessments & Clearances

Merger assessments & clearances

I have advised merger parties across a broad range of industries, including in relation to the grocery supply chain, construction, software, hardware, semen for dairy cattle (no bull!), shipping, and logistics.

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investigation

ACCC processes

As a former senior enforcement lawyer for the ACCC, I am extremely familiar with its practices and procedures. These range from investigations by and complaints to the ACCC, as well as pro-active compliance measures.

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Structuring & general advisory

Structuring & general advisory

I have assisted clients with a range of different issues, always bearing in mind their ultimate commercial objectives. This helps ensure the structure they use for a given venture is best suited to their needs.

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Compliance & risk management

Compliance & risk management

With more than a decade of experience teaching post-graduate students, I am an engaging and enthusiastic speaker. I regularly conduct compliance workshops for large organisations and law firms.

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Industry Expertise

bridge

Essential services

cart

Supermarket supply chain

swimming

Sport & leisure

cow

Agriculture & rural industries

horse

Transport & logistics

laboratory

Healthcare

feet

SMEs

card

Payment systems

Testimonials

The latest on...

state of competition

The ACCC is raiding my office: what do I do?

By Alexandra Merrett • April 28, 2021
The top 10 things to do if you're served with a search warrant by the ACCC and who should do them...

I know what you did last Summer (and Spring, Winter & Autumn): what the ACCC got up to in 2020

By Alexandra Merrett • March 16, 2021
The recently-released ACCC enforcement priorities don’t necessarily tell us what it gets up to on a daily basis. Just for kicks, I worked my way through the ACCC’s media releases in 2020 trying to work out what caught its attention, both in terms of issues and industries. The analysis gave rise to some interesting insights (and – with a little help from the God of Technology – allowed me to create a pretty word cloud).
sitting

Call & Answer: if the ACCC asks, do you have to respond?

By Alexandra Merrett • November 2, 2020
I’m asked by clients surprisingly often whether they have to respond to ACCC requests for information. These aren’t dodgy folk; rather they’re private and/or concerned about what will happen to their information. Ultimately, there are several contexts in which the ACCC might ask you questions, which means whether (and how) you respond really
this is the sign you've been looking for

Is Merger Clearance Necessary?

By Alexandra Merrett • October 2, 2020
Unlike some other jurisdictions, in Australia it's not compulsory to notify the completion regulator of an intended merger. Rather, it's up to the parties. This can lead to a lot of questions. Here are five to start with.
tank

ACCC Investigates Bargaining Power in Ag Chains

By Alexandra Merrett • September 7, 2020
Time to get your skates on... Australia's Federal Government recently asked the ACCC to examine bargaining power in supply chains for perishable agricultural products. The ACCC is to provide its report by 30 November, so seeks submissions by 18 September. The headline issue is: how the relative bargaining power of farmers, processors and