In 2015, the Commission granted clearance for Wilson Parking to acquire the lease for the Plimmer Towers car park on Boulcott Street. In doing so, the Commission noted the competitive constraint on Wilson Parking in this area would primarily arise from the competing provider operating the Capital car park – a large multi-level car park at 50-60 Boulcott Street.

In June 2016, Wilson Parking acquired the long-term lease to operate the Capital car park. It did not apply for clearance to acquire the lease.

In February 2017, the Commission began receiving customer complaints about price increases at the Capital car park. This led the Commission to investigate the acquisition under section 47 of the Commerce Act, which prohibits acquisitions that are likely to substantially lessen competition in a market.

The Commission alleges the acquisition removed one of the few alternatives to Wilson Parking in the area, resulting in a substantial lessening of competition for the supply of car parking in and around Boulcott Street. The Commission will be seeking a penalty against Wilson Parking, and orders ending its lease of the Capital car park.

The Commission is unable to comment further while the case is before the Court.

Background

Wilson Parking

Wilson Parking is New Zealand’s largest parking provider. It is part of the wider Wilson Group that has similar parking operations in Australia and Asia. As at June 2016, Wilson Parking operated more than 350 off-street car parking facilities throughout New Zealand, including 52 locations in central Wellington.

Section 47 of the Commerce Act

Section 47 of the Commerce Act prohibits acquisitions that are likely to substantially lessen competition. The Commission administers a voluntary regime that allows firms to apply for clearance if they consider their planned acquisition could raise competition issues. If firms do not apply for clearance, the Commission can initiate an investigation into a proposed or completed merger under Section 47. If a person breaches Section 47 they may be subject to a penalty of up to $500,000 for an individual or $5 million for a firm.