The Commerce Commission has received an application from New Zealand Investment Holdings Limited (NZIH) seeking clearance to acquire 100% of the shares, or assets and business, of RX Plastics Limited.

NZIH is the New Zealand holding company for the Aliaxis Group. The Aliaxis Group manufactures plastic plumbing products for construction, industrial and public utilities applications throughout the world. In New Zealand, NZIH is most widely known through its subsidiary, Marley New Zealand Limited (Marley). Marley manufactures and distributes various plastic products, such as plastic pipes and plastic fittings, from its plants in Auckland and Christchurch.

RX Plastics Limited manufactures various irrigation products, water storage tanks and effluent disposal systems, including plastic pipes. It manufactures and distributes these products from its plants in Ashburton and Hamilton.

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 Commission's website www.comcom.govt.nz under the Clearances Register.