The Commerce Commission should make a decision on the two Ansett clearances it is considering by June 4, Commission Chairman Dr Alan Bollard said today.
News Corporation Ltd has applied for clearance to buy up to 100 percent of the shares of Ansett New Zealand Ltd.
Air New Zealand has applied for clearance to buy up to 50 percent of the shares of Ansett Holdings Ltd. Currently, Ansett Holdings owns Ansett New Zealand.
Dr Bollard said the Commerce Act prohibits acquisitions that result in dominance being acquired or strengthened in any market. A clearance is granted if the Commission is satisfied that dominance is not acquired or strengthened.
The Act gives the Commission 10 working days to make a decision, but allows for extensions of time if needed.
"At the moment, we do not expect to need an extension of time," Dr Bollard said.
Media contact: Communications officer Vincent Cholewa
