Colgate-Palmolive applies for clearance to acquire Campbell Brothers' Brands
Published08 Jun 2004
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Colgate-Palmolive seeking clearance 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.
Issued 8 June 2004
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Colgate-Palmolive seeking clearance 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.
Under the proposed agreement:
Colgate Palmolive Company (based in the United States) would acquire the trade marks, copyright, brands, trade dress, and brand goodwill associated with each of the brands;
Colgate Palmolive Pty Limited (registered in Australia) would buy the business information, bottle moulds, copyright works, know-how, records, business goodwill, plant and equipment, customer lists, and printer plates associated with the brands; and
Colgate Palmolive Limited (registered in New Zealand) would acquire the existing New Zealand stock of the relevant brands.
In considering the application, the Commission's role is to determine whether the merger has the effect of substantially lessening competition in a market.
