Air Liquide New Zealand Limited applies for clearance to acquire ASCOGAS Limited
Published14 Dec 2007
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Air Liquide New Zealand Limited (Air Liquide) seeking clearance to acquire 100 % of the shares in ASCOGAS Limited (ASCOGAS).
Air Liquide is wholly owned by Air Liquide Australia Limited and is part of the Air Liquide Group that specialises in the supply of industrial and medical gases and related services. Air Liquide is based in Auckland and supplies industrial gases such as carbon dioxide to customers who are principally based in the NorthIsland.
ASCOGAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Swiss Company ASCOSWISS AG and is part of the ASCO group in New Zealand. ASCOGAS is based in Christchurch and supplies carbon dioxide to customers almost entirely in the South Island. In addition to the supply of carbon dioxide, ASCOGAS also supplies a small amount of industrial gases.
In considering the application, the Commission's role is to determine whether the acquisition will have the effect or likely effect of substantially lessening competition in a market.
