Commission receives clearance application from Schneider Electric
Published27 Aug 2003
Issued 27 August 2003
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Schneider Electric SA (Schneider) to acquire the core low voltage electrical distribution products and associated accessories business of the Gerard Industries Group of companies (the Gerard Group). This acquisition is also taking place in Australia, South Africa and India.
Schneider's core business in New Zealand involves the supply of low voltage and industrial control products. Schneider supplies medium voltage switch boards, components for low voltage distribution panel boards, final panel boards and wiring devices/systems, together with various other industrial control and automation products.
In New Zealand, the Gerard Group operates under the Clipsal brand. The specific companies being acquired are Two Plastics Pty Limited, Three Products Pty Limited and Lockwood Pty Limited (together referred to as Clipsal for the purposes of this acquisition).
Clipsal's business involves 'low-end', consumer-type products of low voltage only. Clipsal supplies low voltage final panel boards and wiring devices/systems, with a focus on switches and outlet products.
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 Schneider's application will be shortly available on the Commission's website under Adjudication.
