"Certainly Woolworths has the upper hand but it doesn't mean to say that Coles Myer will be dealt out of the game." Coles Myer last year lost a protracted battle with arch-rival Woolworths for the control of pubs and bottleshops operator, Australian Liquor and Hospitality. Despite persistent rumours that Coles Myer was looking to spin off its Myer business, the department store chain looked like it was safe for the time being.