Australia’s sports betting specialist Tabcorp has responded to the protest by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission against the country’s Competition Tribunal’s endorsement of Tabcorp’s merger with the Tatts Group.

The ACCC had claimed that the proposed deal was contrary to public good due to the lack of competition that would emerge. Tabcorp Holdings, in its response, said that the appeal - going to the Federal Court - is to "clarify the law as it applies to all merger and non-merger authorisations."  

It points out that the tribunal had noted "substantial public benefits" and no significant detriment arising from the transaction. Tabcorp, it said, would oppose the ACCC’s application and pursue an expedited hearing.