A “Statement of Issues” for NZ Post’s application to acquire certain courier business assets of PBT has been released by the Commerce Commission.
The commission is now asking for submissions on it by close of business on March 13, 2024, with cross-submissions due by close of business on March 20, 2024.
It is scheduled to make a decision on the application by April 30, 2024, although this date may be extended.
The Commerce Commission says it has published a Statement of Issues relating to an application from NZ Post seeking clearance for it to acquire PBT Group Limited’s existing contracts with businesses who have signed contracts to use PBT’s courier services.
“The Statement of Issues outlines the commission’s potential competition issues with the acquisition following its initial investigation,” the commission says, adding the Statement of Issues is not a final decision and does not mean that the commission intends to decline or clear the merger.
“The commission is seeking submissions from NZ Post, PBT and other interested parties on the issues raised in the Statement of Issues,” it says.
The Statement of Issues can be found on the case register.
Submissions can be sent by email to registrar@comcom.govt.nz with the reference ‘NZ Post/PBT’ in the subject line.
“We will give clearance to a proposed merger if we are satisfied that the merger is unlikely to have the effect of substantially lessening competition in a market,” the commission says.
Click here for more information about how the commission assesses a merger application.
TransportTalk has earlier reported on the takeover bid.
Meanwhile, the commission has published its final decision on the changes to information New Zealand’s local lines companies must disclose publicly as they adapt to an increasing demand on their networks, driven in large part by New Zealand’s commitment to decarbonisation.
The commission requires all 29 lines companies that distribute electricity locally in New Zealand to publish information each year on aspects of their performance.
New Zealand’s commitment to a low carbon future, together with resilience expectations, has prompted the commission to review current disclosure requirements, in particular as they relate to decarbonisation, asset management and quality of service.
Commission infrastructure regulation general manager Andy Burgess says the commission’s final decision on information disclosure requirements for lines companies will help ensure information provided “remains fit-for-purpose and reflects the external factors being faced by the sector, with consumers benefiting from greater transparency and accountability”.
Visit the commission’s website for more information.
