The Commerce Commission has received an application from New Zealand Bus Limited seeking clearance to acquire the balance of 74% shares in Mana Coach Services Limited. New Zealand Bus already holds 26% of the shares in Mana Coach Services.

New Zealand Bus is a wholly owned subsidiary of Infratil Limited. It is the 100% holding company for Wellington City Transport Limited, Cityline (NZ) Limited and Transportation Auckland Corporation Limited, which operate the New Zealand bus businesses known as Stagecoach Wellington, Cityline Hutt Valley and Stagecoach Auckland.

Mana Coach Services is a family owned and managed business that operates Mana Coach Services and Newlands Buses. Mana Coach Services operates commuter and passenger bus services within north Wellington, Porirua and the Kapiti coast, as well as a service to the Paraparaumu rail line for Wellington city connections, and coach charter business.

In considering the application, the Commission's role is to determine whether the acquisition has the effect of substantially lessening competition in a market.

A public version of the application will shortly be available on the website www.comcom.govt.nz under the Clearances Register.