October 2009
'Failing firm' guidelines issued by Commerce Commission
30 October 2009
The Commerce Commission today released guidelines on how applications for mergers and acquisitions involving the 'failing firm' argument will be treated. The guidelines are designed to assist businesses and their legal representatives by explaining how the Commission will assess claims that the target firm (or division of a firm) is failing as well as outlining the types of supporting evidence that may be required. These guidelines supplement the Commission's Mergers and Acquisitions Guidelines.Relates to: Business Competition
Electricity Industry Reform Act: Commerce Commission grants exemption to Marko Bogoievski
29 October 2009
The Commerce Commission has granted Marko Bogoievski an exemption under the Electricity Industry Reform Act 1998 (EIR Act) in relation to his potential appointment to the board of Auckland International Airport Limited (AIAL), an electricity lines business, subject to certain conditions.Relates to: Electricity
Fair Trading Act charges laid against Vodafone
23 October 2009
The Commerce Commission has laid charges against Vodafone for alleged breaches of the Fair Trading Act 1986 in relation to various broadband and mobile phone promotions.Relates to: Telecommunications
Warning for importing unsafe toy tool set
22 October 2009
An Auckland-based importer has been warned by the Commerce Commission that a toy tool set imported from China and sold in budget variety stores may have breached an unsafe goods notice relating to levels of lead in children's toys. Anyone in possession of one of these toy sets is advised to dispose of them immediately.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commerce Commission consults on Telecom Wholesale loyalty offers
16 October 2009
As part of its investigation into alleged breaches of the Separation Undertakings by Telecom's Wholesale business unit, the Commerce Commission is seeking submissions on its preliminary views on the meaning of the 'equivalence of inputs' and 'non-discrimination' obligations contained in the Undertakings.Relates to: Telecommunications
Electricity company fined for misleading power bill review
16 October 2009
An energy company has pleaded guilty to breaching the Fair Trading Act and has been fined $17,000 in the Tauranga District Court on Wednesday. TrustPower, an electricity generator and retailer, was fined for misleading its customers about the nature of a power bill review service.Relates to: Fair Trading
Franchise prosecution welcomed
16 October 2009
The Commerce Commission has welcomed the conviction and sentencing today of Stewart John Brown and Robert Llewelyn Parr. Mr Brown and Mr Parr both pleaded guilty to Crimes Act charges of obtaining by false pretences and obtaining by deception in relation to franchise companies Wizard Vapour Technology Ltd and Clean Co International Limited. In the Christchurch District Court today Mr Brown was sentenced to nine months home detention and ordered to pay $24,000 reparation, which is to be paid at the rate of $300 per week. Mr Parr was sentenced to four months community detention and 150 hours community work.Relates to: Fair Trading
Telecom blocked competition in high-speed data transmission markets
14 October 2009
The High Court has found that Telecom (Telecom Corporation of New Zealand and Telecom New Zealand Limited) used its substantial market power to prevent and deter competition in markets involving high-speed data transmission. The Commerce Commission claimed that Telecom contravened section 36 of the Commerce Act, which prohibits firms with a substantial degree of market power from taking advantage of that power for an anti-competitive purpose.Relates to: Telecommunications
Commerce Commission releases final Telecom TSO cost calculation for 2006/07
7 October 2009
The Commerce Commission has released its telecommunication service obligations (TSO) determination covering the 2006/07 year for Telecom's local residential telephone service. The final TSO cost is $61.36 million for 2006/07.Relates to: Telecommunications
Commerce Commission releases final Telecom TSO cost calculation for 2007/08
7 October 2009
The Commerce Commission has released its telecommunication service obligations (TSO) determination covering the 2007/08 year for Telecom's local residential telephone service. The final TSO cost is $72.1 million.Relates to: Telecommunications
Credit card settlements lower New Zealand business costs
5 October 2009
The Commerce Commission has reached separate agreements with seven financial institutions settling the Commission's claims that they breached the Commerce Act, and ushering in a new competitive landscape for the credit card industry in New Zealand.Relates to: Business Competition
