Wellington, December 3, 2025 — The New Zealand authority has released a third Statement of Unresolved Issues outlining potential concerns with Kegstar’s plan to acquire Konvoy’s keg fleet, tracking beacons and associated records, signalling that questions remain over whether the deal could reduce market rivalry.
The move follows the agency’s initial investigation into the proposed asset sale, which would transfer Konvoy’s New Zealand keg pool and logistics-related inventory to Kegstar. While the statement does not indicate whether clearance will ultimately be granted or declined, it highlights remaining questions the authority is testing with the parties and industry stakeholders.
Issues under review
In its latest statement, the authority notes areas where the merged firm could risk weakening alternative supply options for breweries that rent kegs and rely on logistics support services. Both Kegstar and Konvoy currently serve breweries nationwide through rental pools linked to beacon-based tracking systems. The authority’s concerns focus on whether removing Konvoy as an independent supplier could give Kegstar scope to raise prices or limit service flexibility.
Next steps
The authority is now seeking submissions from Kegstar, Konvoy and other interested parties on the matters raised. Submissions are due by December 19, 2025, with cross-submissions due by January 23, 2026. The agency has asked Kegstar to extend the statutory decision deadline beyond December 4 and will update its case register once the new date is agreed.
The statement is the third issued under the authority’s mergers process, following a preliminary issues list in August and a formal Statement of Issues in September. A final decision to clear or decline the transaction will follow consideration of all submissions.
