WELLINGTON, March 25, 2026 — New Zealand’s competition regulator will publish a statement outlining potential competition concerns over a proposed acquisition in the refrigeration and air-conditioning supply sector.
The New Zealand Commerce Commission said it plans to issue a Statement of Issues regarding the application by Beijer Ref Holdings Limited to acquire 100% of the shares in Refrigeration Specialties Limited.
The forthcoming document will summarise the competition issues identified during the Commission’s preliminary investigation and invite submissions from the parties involved as well as other interested stakeholders.
The regulator stressed that issuing a Statement of Issues does not represent a final decision on the merger and does not indicate whether the authority intends to approve or block the transaction.
Beijer Ref and Refspecs both operate as wholesalers supplying refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, spare parts and refrigerant gases to trade customers such as installers, technicians and service providers.
The Commission had originally been due to rule on the application by 25 March 2026. However, the parties and the regulator have agreed to extend the decision deadline, with a new determination date set for 9 June 2026.
Statements of Issues are commonly used by the Commerce Commission when a merger review raises potential competition concerns that require further consultation and analysis before a final decision is reached.
