Australia regulator says examining Qantas takeover

SYDNEY, Dec 15 (Reuters) Australia's competition regulator said on Friday it has started a review into an .7 billion buyout offer for Qantas Airways Ltd. from a group led by Macquarie Bank Ltd.

and private equity firm Texas Pacific Group.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said it will assess the likely effect of the proposed acquisition on competition, including how the proposed acquisition would affect customers, suppliers and other competitors in the air transport industry.

It invited interested parties to give submissions by Jan. 29.

REUTERS DKS PM0738