The competition watchdog is seeking market feedback after a fresh undertaking by Canada's Brookfield in its takeover battle for ports and rail operator Asciano.
Brookfield has now proposed divesting rail operator Pacific National's intermodal business to an independent party, and committed to independent operation and decision making at its Dalrymple Bay coal terminal in Queensland, if it secures the deal for Asciano, the ACCC said.
"The commission has not yet had the opportunity to consider these undertakings fully but considers that its views on the undertakings will benefit significantly from market feedback," ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said in a statement on Tuesday.
The watchdog has sought feedback until January 22, and the process will delay a final decision on Brookfield's bid until February 18.
The Canadian infrastructure giant, which is locked in a takeover battle for Asciano with local logistics firm Qube Holdings, had earlier asked the ACCC to delay its final decision scheduled for December 17, to allow it to submit fresh undertakings.
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A consortium including Qube, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board fund and infrastructure investor Global Investment Partners has put up a $9.02 billion offer for Asciano, matching an earlier $9 billion bid from Brookfield.
The ACCC has been concerned that a successful takeover by Brookfield could lead to reduced competition in rail haulage services in Western Australia and Queensland.
In November, it rejected an initial undertaking by Brookfield not to engage in certain behaviour to address the vertical competition concerns.
The regulator is also evaluating the rival bid by the Qube consortium, which plans to split Asciano's container terminals and rail freight businesses. Its decision on that bid is also expected on February 18.
