The Commerce Commission has received an application from Woolworths Limited seeking clearance to acquire up to 100% of the shares in, or assets, of The Warehouse Group Limited.

Woolworths is an Australian company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange. In New Zealand, Woolworths owns Progressive Enterprises Limited which, through its subsidiaries, operates supermarkets under the Woolworths, Foodtown and Countdown brands.

The Warehouse operates The Warehouse and Warehouse Stationery stores. More recently, The Warehouse has started retailing groceries at its Sylvia Park and Whangarei stores.

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