The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has agreed to discuss Pick n Pay’s proposed sale of its Franklins supermarket chain to Australian Metcash at the national Federal Court. The ACCC announced that it was going to lodge the case by December 8, seeking an expedited hearing in early 2011.

In a statement, Pick n Pay welcomed the decision. Metcash decided in November it was to proceed with its plan to acquire Franklins despite the ACCC objecting. Pick n Pay is seeking to exit the Australian market.