The Commerce Commission today announced its timetable for considering Air New Zealand's application to buy Ansett Australia shares.

Air New Zealand has applied for authorisation to buy 25 percent of Ansett Australia, with an option to buy a further 25 percent. Ansett Australia owns Ansett New Zealand.

The Commerce Act prohibits business acquisitions which lead to dominance being acquired or strengthened. However, it also allows them to be authorised if it can be shown that public benefits that result are greater than detriments to competition.

The Commission's timetable for considering the authorisation is:

In the week starting January 22, next year

release draft determination giving Commission's preliminary view

by February 8

receive submissions from interested parties

February 27-29

conference in Wellington to give applicants and interested parties the opportunity to provide further information and for the Commission to ask questions

by March 20

release final decision

Media contact:Communications Officer, Vincent Cholewa

Phone work (04) 498 0920, home (04) 479 1432