The Commerce Commission has received an application from the three Foodstuffs co-operatives seeking clearance to acquire up to 100% of the ordinary shares in The Warehouse Group Limited.

Foodstuffs is New Zealand's largest grocery retailer and owns the New World, Pak'n'Save and Four Square brands.

The Warehouse operates the Warehouse and Warehouse Stationery stores. More recently, the Warehouse has started retailing groceries at its Sylvia Park and Whangarei stores.

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

A public version of the application will shortly be available on the Clearances Register.