SoUI on Rafting JV Co's proposed acquisition of three Rotorua rafting operators

The Statement of Unresolved Issues will be published on the Commission’s case register in due course and will outline the Commission’s competition issues with the proposed merger. The Statement of Unresolved Issues will invite submissions from the three Rotorua rafting operators and other interested parties.

The Statement of Issues is not a final decision and does not mean that the Commission intends to decline or clear the merger.

The Commission was scheduled to make a decision on whether to issue an SoUI or the clear the application by 14 April. Because the Commission has decided to issue an SoUI, an extension of time has been agreed between the Commission and Rafting JV Co. The new decision date is 18 June 2026.

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.

If, following receipt of submissions on a Statement of Issues and further investigation, we consider any competition issues remain unresolved, we may publish a Statement of Unresolved Issues. A Statement of Unresolved Issues provides an applicant with a further opportunity to allay our concerns. It also gives the target and interested parties a further opportunity to provide information relating to these concerns.

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