The Commerce Commission is now due to make its decision on Progressive Enterprises Limited's application for clearance to acquire Woolworths (New Zealand) Limited on July 13.

The Director of the Commission's Business Competition Branch, Geoff Thorn, said that this is a five working-day extension from the expected date of today, Friday, July 6.

Mr Thorn said that the Commission needed more time to gather and assess information, and Progressive has agreed to the extension.

Media contact: Director Business Competition Branch Geoff Thorn

Phone work (04) 498 0958, cellphone 021 661 104

Senior Advisor Communications Vincent Cholewa Phone work (04) 498 0920