Issued 16 April 2004

The Commerce Commission has received an application from SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited seeking clearance to acquire all the shares and assets of Aspinall (NZ) Limited.

Both SKYCITY and Aspinall are involved in the ownership and operation of casinos in New Zealand.

Aspinall holds an approximate 40.5 percent stake in Christchurch Casinos Limited, which owns and operates the Christchurch Casino.

SKYCITY currently has ownership interests in and management contracts for casinos in Auckland, Hamilton and Queenstown.

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 application is available on the Commission's website www.comcom.govt.nz under the Clearances Register.

 

Media contact:

Gail Marshall, Communications Adviser

Phone work (04) 924 3709, mobile 029 924 3709