The Commerce Commission will release its final decision on Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Limited's (RAL) application for authorisation to acquire Turoa Ski Resorts Limited (in receivership) on Tuesday, November 14.

Commission Chair John Belgrave said that this is one week later than the Commission had planned. The Commission required more time to analyse the information that it had gathered, and RAL agreed to the extension.

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

Parties can apply for authorisation of an otherwise prohibited business acquisition. An authorisation, if granted, is in effect an exemption from the Act. The Commission will grant an authorisation if it is satisfied that public benefits resulting from an acquisition outweigh its detriments to competition.

Media contact: Commerce Act Manager Geoff Thorn, Phone work (04) 498 0958, cellphone 021 661 104

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