Issued 15 May 2003

The Commerce Commission has received an application from Procter & Gamble Distributing New Zealand Limited (P&G) to acquire the assets and stock of Wella New Zealand Limited (Wella).

The application forms part of the global acquisition by the Procter & Gamble Company of the business of Wella AG.

P&G is a subsidiary of the Procter & Gamble Company. The principal activity of P&G in New Zealand is the distribution of hair care products and colourants, deodorants, aftershave, moisturisers, cough/cold remedies, laxatives, feminine sanitary products, fabric freshener and Pringles chips.

Wella is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wella AG. Wella's principal activity in New Zealand is the distribution of hair care products and colourants.

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

A public version of P&G's application will shortly be available on the Commission's website under Adjudication.

Media contact:

Fritha Mackay, Market Structure Manager

Phone work (04) 924 3650

Jackie Maitland, Communications Manager

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