The Commerce Commission has received an application from BOC Limited to acquire Shell New Zealand Limited's (SNZ) LPG business and Shell New Zealand Holding Company Limited's (SNZH) shareholding in Liquigas Limited; collectively referred to as Shell's LPG Portfolio.

BOC Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of BOC New Zealand Holdings Limited.

BOC's LPG activities in New Zealand involve supplying delivered LPG cylinders and the retailing of LPG through its business division, "Gas 'n' Gear which operates a cylinder fill service.

Shell is part of the Royal Dutch/Shell group of companies. It is ultimately owned by Royal Dutch Shell plc. Shell's LPG activities in New Zealand are in the production, supply, distribution and retailing of LPG.

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 be available as soon as practicable on the Commission's website www.comcom.govt.nz under the Clearances Register.