The Commerce Commission has published a statement of preliminary issues relating to an application received from Sanford Limited on 29 September 2010 seeking clearance to acquire the Pacifica Seafoods Group of companies.

The statement of preliminary issues outlines the key competition issues the Commission currently considers will be important in deciding whether or not to grant clearance.   The Commission's statement of preliminary issues and the public version of the application can be accessed via the Commission's website under www.comcom.govt.nz/clearances-register/

The Commission invites submissions from parties who consider that they have information relevant to the Commission's consideration of this matter.   Submissions can be sent to registrar@comcom.govt.nz with the reference Sanford/Pacifica in the subject line of your email or to PO Box 2351, Wellington 6140 by Friday 22 October 2010.

Background

Sanford Limited is a publicly listed fisheries company based in Auckland. Sanford is active in the aquaculture industry particularly the farming, processing and selling of mussels, king salmon and oysters.

The Pacifica Seafoods Group of five companies are owned by the Skeggs Group Limited.   Skeggs Group is owned by a small number of individuals.   Pacifica Seafoods primarily supplies mussels although it also has some king salmon and oyster operations.