The Commerce Commission has received clearance applications from The Coca-Cola Company (TCCC) to acquire the trademarks and intellectual property associated with the brands owned by Rio Beverages Limited (Rio Beverages) and from Coca-Cola Amatil (NZ) Limited (CCA NZ) to acquire the remaining business assets necessary to operate the Rio Beverages business.

TCCC is involved in the ownership of trademarks used to identify non-alcoholic beverages as well as the manufacture and sale of concentrates and beverage bases. It has one subsidiary in New Zealand, Coca-Cola Oceania Limited.

CCA NZ is involved in the manufacture, distribution and sale of non-alcoholic beverages and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Coca-Cola Amatil Limited, an Australian listed company. TCCC, through various wholly owned subsidiaries, owns approximately 35% of Coca-Cola Amatil Limited.

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 the applications 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