The Commerce Commission today cleared Ascot Hospital and Clinics Limited to acquire the assets or shares currently owned by Mercy Hospital Auckland Limited.

The clearance does not include the St Joseph's Mercy Hospice nor Mercy's shares in Mercy Angiography.

Commerce Commission Acting Chair Paula Rebstock said that the Commission is satisfied that the proposed acquisition would not substantially lessen competition in the relevant markets for surgical services.

Public copies of the Commission's full decision will be available shortly.

Media contact: Communications Manager Jackie Maitland

Phone work (04) 498 0920, cellphone (025) 249 3407