The Commerce Commission today agreed to a request from Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Limited (RAL) for a two-week extension to the Commission's timetable.

RAL requested more time to make submissions on the Commission's draft determination issued last week. In the draft determination the Commission stated that its preliminary view, based on information then available, was that it would not authorise the proposal.

The Commission is investigating RAL's application for authorisation to acquire Turoa Ski Resort Limited (in receivership).

Revised timetable:

July 31

RAL made its application

August 28

the Commission released its draft determination

by September 25

interested parties to make submissions on the draft determination

by October 2

experts hired by interested parties to make submissions on the draft determination

October 18-20

likely dates for conference in Wellington

November 7

the Commission will make its final decision

Background

The Commerce Act prohibits business acquisitions that result in dominance being acquired or strengthened in any market.

Parties can apply for an authorisation-in effect an exemption from the Act-of a business acquisition. The Commission will grant an acquisition if it is satisfied that public benefits from a proposed acquisition would outweigh its detriments to competition.

Media contact: Commerce Act Manager Geoff Thorn, Phone work (04) 498 0958

Communications Officer: Vincent Cholewa, Phone work (04) 498 0920