The Commerce Commission has received an application from Transpacific Technical Services (NZ) Limited (TTS) seeking clearance to acquire the assets and businesses of Medi-Chem Waste Services Limited (Medi-Chem) that relate to the treatment, recycling, and disposal of solvents; and the assets and businesses of Medi-Chem that relate to the collection, treatment and disposal of other hazardous wastes (not including the business relating to medical, quarantine and infectious waste, or the business of collecting and recycling lamps, amalgam and x-ray film and fluids).

TTS is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Transpacific Industries Group Limited (TPI), which is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange. TPI has interests in both the hazardous and non-hazardous waste sectors in New Zealand and Australia.

Medi-Chem operates in the hazardous waste sector of the waste industry in New Zealand. It provides waste collection, treatment and disposal services in relation to solvents and wastes containing volatile organic compounds, hydrocarbons and laboratory chemicals. Medi-Chem also specialises in handling, packing and transportation of intractable waste for off-shore disposal.

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 Commission's website www.comcom.govt.nz under the Clearances Register.