Hockey Equipment Merger Not Offside

Canadian Tire affiliate FGL Sports' acquisition of Pro Hockey Life Sporting Goods Inc. is unlikely to substantially lessen or prevent competition in the retail market for hockey equipment, the Competition Bureau has concluded.

The Bureau found that the parties were close competitors in the retail market for hockey equipment and goods, but concluded that the merger would only have a modest effect on prices in the relevant markets. The Bureau also concluded that access to competitive terms of supply from key vendors would not constitute a high barrier to entry. This industry will likely remain competitive after the merger, the Bureau explained in a statement explaining its approach to the merger.