A letter of issues is sent if, following initial investigations, the Commission has concerns about potential competition issues that may arise from the proposed acquisition. A letter of issues is not a final decision and does not mean that the Commission intends to decline or clear an acquisition.

A copy of the letter has been published on the Commission’s case register. Other interested parties may make submissions on the issues outlined in the letter if they wish to.

Submissions are due no later than Friday 14 December 2018, with any cross-submissions due no later than Friday 21 December 2018. Submissions can be sent by email to registrar@comcom.govt.nz with the reference “DLF Seeds/PGG Wrightson Seeds” in the subject line.

Background

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.

Further information explaining how the Commission assesses a merger application is available on our website.