The Commerce Commission today received an application for clearance to merge two flower auction businesses in Auckland.

Turners & Growers Limited has applied for clearance to acquire the businesses and certain assets of United Flower Auction Limited, excluding its export business.

The Commission's Commerce Act Manager, Geoff Thorn, said that the Commission expects to make its decision by July 19.

Mr Thorn said that the Commission must determine what are the relevant markets for the proposal and what impact the acquisition would have on competition in those markets.

The Act prohibits business acquisitions that result in dominance being acquired or strengthened in any markets. A clearance is granted if the Commission is satisfied that dominance would not be acquired or strengthened.

Public copies of Turners & Growers application are available from reception at the Commission's Wellington office, level 7, Landcorp House, 101 Lambton Quay.

Media contact: Commerce Act Manager Geoff Thorn

Phone work (04) 498 0958

Communications Officer Vincent Cholewa

Phone work (04) 498 0920

Commission media releases can be viewed on its web site www.comcom.govt.nz