The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has granted interim authorisation to Office Choice, Office Brands, Office Products Depot, and the members and franchisees of these companies (collectively Office Choice) to collectively bargain, or appoint intermediaries to collectively bargain on their behalf, with office products suppliers.

“Interim authorisation allows Office Choice’s members and franchises to continue to collectively bargain with office products suppliers,” ACCC deputy chair, Dr Michael Schaper, said.

“The ACCC considers that granting interim authorisation will avoid unnecessary disruption to Office Choice businesses, as well as the suppliers of office products with whom Office Choice contracts.”

Interim authorisation allows Office Choice members and franchises to continue to collectively bargain while the ACCC considers the merits of the substantive application. effective immediately, and will remain in place until it is revoked or the date on which the ACCC’s final determination on the application comes into effect.

The ACCC is now seeking submissions on the application from interested parties before issuing a draft determination.