Statement of Issues released for Beijer Ref to acquire Refrigeration Specialties

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

The Commission is seeking submissions from Beijer Ref, Refspecs and any other interested parties on the issues raised in the Statement of Issues.

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

Submissions can be sent by email to registrar@comcom.govt.nz with the reference ‘Beijer Ref/Refspecs’ in the subject line.

Submissions are due by close of business on 16 April 2026, with cross-submissions due by close of business on 23 April 2026.

The Commission is currently scheduled to make a decision on the application by 9 June 2026. However, this date may be extended with 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

Beijer Ref and Refspecs are wholesalers that specialise in supplying refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment and spare parts, as well as refrigerant gases, to trade customers such as refrigeration and air-conditioning installers, servicers and technicians.

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.