Statement of Unresolved Issues released for Altano New Zealand’s proposed acquis…

The Commerce Commission has published a Statement of Unresolved Issues relating to an application from Altano New Zealand Limited (Altano) seeking clearance to acquire 100% of the shares in Matamata Veterinary Services Limited (MVS).

Published 17 July 2025

The Statement of Unresolved Issues outlines the Commission’s potential competition issues with the acquisition following its initial investigation. The Statement of Unresolved Issues is not a final decision and does not mean that the Commission intends to decline or clear the merger.

The Commission is seeking submissions from Altano, MVS and other interested parties on the issues raised in the Statement of Unresolved Issues.

The Statement of Unresolved Issues can be found on the case register.

Submissions can be sent by email to registrar@comcom.govt.nz with the reference “Altano NZ/MVS” in the subject line. 

Submissions are due by close of business on 31 July 2025, with cross-submissions due by close of business on 7 August 2025. 

The Commission is currently scheduled to make a decision on the application by 22 August 2025.

However, this date may be extended with the agreement of the applicant if the material before the Commission at that time does not allow it to be satisfied that the proposed acquisition will not have, or would not be likely to have, the effect of substantially lessening competition in a market in New Zealand.

Background

We will only give clearance to a proposed merger if we are satisfied that the merger is unlikely to have the effect of substantially lessening competition in a market.

Further information explaining how the Commission assesses a merger application is available on our website.

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