Issued 24 March 2004

The Commerce Commission has received an application from Visy Industrial Plastics (NZ) Limited seeking clearance to acquire the plastic packaging businesses and assets of ACI Operations NZ Limited.

Visy and its associated entities manufacture, distribute and supply:

. various polyethylene containers including pails;

. polyethylene terephthalate (PET) beverage containers; and

. aluminium beverage cans.

In addition, an associated entity, VisyPak Carton Systems, markets, distributes and services liquid paperboard cartons and filling equipment.

Visy seeks clearance to acquire ACI's business of manufacturing, distributing and supplying:

. PET beverage containers;

. PET food containers;

. plastic carbonated soft drink, water, food and hot-fill closures;

. pails; and

. crates.

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

Visy is a New Zealand company wholly owned by Visy Industrial Holding (NZ) Limited, which is owned by Australian company Visy Industrial Packaging Holdings Pty Limited.

ACI is a New Zealand company wholly owned by Owens-Illinois (NZ) Limited, which is owned by ACI International Pty.

A public version of Visy application will be available shortly on the Commission's website www.comcom.govt.nz under the Clearances Register.

 

Media contact:

Fritha Mackay, Manager Market Structure

Phone work (04) 924 3650

 

Jackie Maitland, Communications Manager

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