The Commerce Commission has received a clearance application from Gribbles Group Limited to acquire the business and business assets of Alpha Scientific Limited.

Gribbles Group is involved in analytic laboratory analysis, diagnostic pathology, food microbiology and chemical analysis.

Alpha Scientific is involved in veterinary diagnostic pathology, food microbiology and plant analysis.

In considering the application, the Commission's role is to determine whether the merger has the effect of substantially lessening competition in any market.

A public version of the application is available on request from the Commerce Commission. Please email registrar@comcom.govt.nz or contact Catherine Best (04) 924 3654.

Media contact: Geoff Thorn, Director, Business Competition Branch

Phone work (04) 924 3620

Jackie Maitland, Communications Manager

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

Commission media releases can be viewed on its web site www.comcom.govt.nz