PCC okays JTI-Mighty, Rockwell-Mitsui deals

The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) has approved the acquisition by Japan Tobacco (Philippines), Inc. (JTPI) of Mighty Corporation as well as the joint venture by Rockwell Land Corporation and Mitsui Fudosan (Asia) Pte. Ltd. on August 29. PCC found both transactions are not likely to result in anti-competitive effects in the market. “There appears to be no ability nor incentive for the parties to engage in anti-competitive coordinated behavior,” PCC said. In the transaction, JTIP will own the sales and distribution network, manufacturing & equipment and inventories of Mighty Corporation, while JT International SA (JTI SA), an affiliate of JTIP, will own the trademarks and associated intellectual property of Mighty Corporation and Wong Chu King Holdings, Inc. JTIP is a company engaged in the business of importation, manufacturing, distribution and marketing on wholesale basis of tobacco products; while JTI SA is a global company engaged in the manufacture and sale of tobacco products. As for Rockwell and Mitsui Fudosan’s joint venture, the firms are set to engage in the development, construction and sale of real estate projects in the Philippines through the joint venture company, Rockwell MFA Corporation (RMFA). Rockwell and Mitsui Fudosan shall purchase and subscribe to shares in RMFA, where 80% of the total outstanding shares of RMFA will be held by Rockwell and twenty percent (20%) of the total outstanding shares of RMFA will be held by MFA indirectly through its wholly-owned Philippine subsidiary, which is in the process of incorporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission.