SoPI released for J&P Turner application to acquire T&G Fresh

The Commerce Commission has today published a statement of preliminary issues relating to an application from J&P Turner Limited seeking clearance for it, or any interconnected body corporate, to acquire up to 100% of the shares of Turners & Growers Fresh Limited.

Published 06 July 2026

The statement outlines the key competition issues that the Commission considers important in deciding whether to grant clearance to the proposed acquisition.

The Commission invites interested parties to provide comments on the likely competitive effects of the proposed acquisition. Submissions can be sent by email to registrar@comcom.govt.nz with the reference “JPT/T&G Fresh” in the subject line. Any submissions should be received by close of business on 21 July 2026.

The Commission is currently scheduled to make a decision on the application by 26 August 2026. 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.

The Statement of Preliminary Issues and a public version of the application can be found on the Commission’s case register.

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.