The Commerce Commission has received an application from Vector Limited, and any of its interconnected corporate bodies, to acquire up to 100% of the shares in the capital of UnitedNetworks Limited (UNL) and some or all of the assets of the businesses carried on by UNL.

Vector Limited is 100% owned by the Auckland Energy Consumer Trust. It owns and operates the electricity network infrastructure in the Auckland region. The network distributes power to more than 270,000 residential and commercial customers located in the Auckland, Manukau and Papakura districts, including Waiheke Island.

UNL is a publicly listed company with its major shareholders being UtiliCorp NZ Limited and UnitedNetwork Shareholders' Society. UNL is a network infrastructure company with business activities in electricity and gas distribution, and telecommunications.

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

A public version of Vector's application will shortly be available on request from the Commerce Commission. Please contact Catherine Best, (04) 924 3654.

Media contact: Richard Braae, Manager, Market Structure Group

Phone work (04) 924 3650

Jackie Maitland, Communications Manager

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

Commission media releases can be viewed on its web site www.comcom.govt.nz