The Commerce Commission has received an application from Frucor Beverages Ltd seeking clearance to acquire Simply Squeezed Holdings Ltd.

Frucor, which is owned by Suntory Holdings Ltd, a Japanese company, supplies a range of non-alcoholic beverages in New Zealand including the V, Arano, Fresh Up, Just Juice, McCoy and Citrus Tree brands.

Simply Squeezed, which is owned by Crescent Food Group Pty Ltd, manufactures the Simply Squeezed, Supreme Country, Bay Harvest and Allganics brand fruit beverages.

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. A statement of preliminary issues, outlining the Commission's view on the competition issues that could arise if the proposed merger were to proceed, will also be released shortly.