Woolworths one step closer to Absolute Pets takeover - but watchdog wants more stores, staff

The Competition Commission has recommended Woolworths be given the green light to acquire Absolute Pets, but has included conditions expanding its store base and hiring more staff.

It will now be up to the Competition Tribunal to decide whether it approves the recommendations announced on Friday, which also include promoting smaller businesses owned by historically disadvantaged people.

Woolworths announced the proposed acquisition of 94% of Absolute Pets last year. SA's biggest pet store chain runs 157 pet product stores across SA and offers a range of services such as spas, online retailing and clinic services.