The Commerce Commission has received a clearance application from Wakefield Hospital Limited to acquire all of the issued shares in Bowen Hospital Limited and all of the land and buildings situated at its Churchill Drive site.

Wakefield is a private hospital situated in Newtown, Wellington. Wakefield provides hospital facilities for secondary and tertiary elective surgery.

Bowen is a private hospital situated in Crofton Downs, Wellington. Bowen provides facilities for a specialist sleep disorder clinic and general elective secondary procedures.

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 will not be available until the New Year.

The Commission's offices close at midday today. Under the Commerce Act, the Commission has 10 working days after the date of registration to investigate a market structure clearance. According to the Act, the days in the period from 25 December to 15 January do not constitute working days.

Media contact: Jackie Maitland, Communications Manager

Mobile 029 924 3708