The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said Thursday it granted further interim authorization to Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX:ANZ, NZE:ANZ), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX:CBA), National Australia Bank (ASX:NAB), National Australia Investment Capital, and Westpac Banking (ASX:WBC, NZE:WBC) to take further steps towards a proposed joint venture to deal with the supply of commercial cash in Australia.
The further interim authorization authorizes the banks to agree and enter into, but not give effect to, various agreements, the regulator said. The authorization begins immediately and may be reviewed at any time.
The banks sought authorization to establish a single joint cash pool and bailment structure via an incorporated operating entity for the supply of commercial cash in Australia. Under the proposal, each applicant would acquire a 25% shareholding in the entity and a 25% interest in the cash pool. The ACCC determined that the acquisitions may be put into effect on June 26.