The Commerce Commission has published a statement of preliminary issues relating to an application seeking clearance received from Tomarata Sand Limited, which is owned by Stan Semenoff. The application, received on 13 April 2010, sought clearance to acquire the assets and business of Coastal Resources Limited.

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 Tomarata/Coastal Resources in the subject line of your email or to PO Box 2351, Wellington 6140 by Wednesday 5 May 2010.

Background

Tomorata Sand Limited is a recently formed company owned by Stan Semenoff.  Mr Semenoff also has interests in a number of other companies involved in the supply of sand in the Northland region including Semenoff Sand Supplies Limited, Envirosands Northland Limited and Kaipara Water Transport Limited.

Coastal Resources Limited is based in the Northland region and also supplies sand.