The Commerce Commission has received an application from Natural Gas Corporation Holdings Limited for clearance to acquire the gas pipeline assets of UnitedNetworks Limited.

NGC owns and operates the natural gas transmission pipelines in the North Island, is a distributor and retailer of gas in Northland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Taupo, Gisborne, Hutt/Mana and Kapiti, and a retailer of gas in Taranaki. NGC also has a 25% interest in the Wanganui/Rangitikei gas distributor and retailer, Wanganui Gas Limited.

UNL owns and operates natural gas distribution pipelines in Auckland, Hawkes Bay, Wellington and Palmerston North/ Manawatu.

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

A public version of NGC's application will soon be available on request from the Commerce Commission. Please contact Catherine Best, (04) 498-0953.

Media contact: Richard Braae, Manager, Market Structure Group,

Phone work (04) 924 3650, mobile (021) 499 280

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