Issued 22 July 2004

The Commerce Commission has cleared Colgate-Palmolive to acquire various brands and associated items that comprise the laundry additive, laundry detergent, and dishwashing detergent businesses of Campbell Brothers Limited and Campbell Brothers' wholly-owned subsidiary, Bushland Products Pty Limited.

The brands include the 'Fluffy brand' for fabric softener, wool wash and tumble-dryer pads; the 'Hurricane' brand for laundry detergent and dishwashing liquid; the 'Castle' brand for laundry detergent and dishwashing liquid; and the 'Love 'n Care' brand for laundry detergents.

Commission Chair Paula Rebstock said the Commission was satisfied that the proposed acquisition would not have, nor would be likely to have, the effect of substantially lessening competition in the New Zealand markets for the manufacture and supply of laundry detergent, dishwashing detergent, and fabric softener.

A public version of the Commission's decision will be shortly available on the Commission's website www.comcom.govt.nz under the Clearances Register.

 

Media contact:

Fritha Mackay, Manager, Market Structure

Phone (04) 924 3650

 

Jackie Maitland, Communications Manager

Phone work (04) 924 3708, mobile 029 924 3708