Aug 8 (Reuters) - Australia's competition watchdog on Thursday raised concerns about Canadian dairy firm Saputo Inc's SAP.TO acquisition of the Australian cheese business of Japan's Kirin Holdings 2503.T .
"We are concerned that combining these two operators may lead to Tasmanian dairy farmers being paid lower prices for their raw milk," Australia Competition & Consumer Commission Deputy Chair Mick Keogh said in a statement.
In April, Saputo announced the A$280 million ($189 million) acquisition of the specialty cheese business of Lion Dairy & Drinks, a unit of Kirin Holdings. = 1.4793 Australian dollars)