The Commerce Commission has received a clearance application from Consolidated Extrusions Pty Limited, a joint venture between Austral Bronze Crane Copper Limited and Simsmetal Limited, to acquire those business assets of the MCK Group Limited and MCK Pacific Pty Limited (together MCK) relating to its brass and copper alloy extrusions and distribution business.

Austral Bronze Crane Copper Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Crane Group Limited, a manufacturer and distributor of non-ferrous metal products and plastic pipeline systems, and distributor of plumbing supplies, with operations in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. It holds 100% of the shares in Mico Wakefield Limited and 75% of the shares in Iplex Pipelines New Zealand Limited.

Simsmetal Limited is an Australian based metals recycling, resource recovery and industrial services group.

MCK manufactures solid and hollow brass and copper alloy extrusions, as well as aluminium extrusions, shower screens, wardrobe doors, brass and bronze components and automative components from its facility in New Plymouth. It distributes its products in New Zealand and Australia, and also exports to a number of countries.

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 any market.

A public version of Consolidated Extrusions' application is available on request from the Commerce Commission. Please contact Catherine Best, (04) 924 3654.

Media contact: Richard Braae, Manager, Market Structure

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