Johnson Wax Applies For Clearance

Johnson Wax Applies To The Commerce Commission For Clearance To Acquire A Subsidiary Of Unilever New Zealand

The Commerce Commission has received an application from S.C. Johnson Commercial Markets, Inc for clearance under the Commerce Act to acquire the shares and/or business of DiverseyLever New Zealand Limited.

The acquisition is a global transaction announced on 20 November 2001. The acquisition is not expected to take place until mid-February 2002, and is subject to fulfilment of conditions, including regulatory consents where required.

SC Johnson Commercial Markets, Inc, is a Delaware corporate and a wholly owned subsidiary within the Johnson Wax Professional Group. In New Zealand, the Johnson Wax Professional Group is headed by Johnson Wax Professional New Zealand Limited.

The DiverseyLever Group is represented in New Zealand by Unilever New Zealand Limited and DiverseyLever New Zealand Limited (DLNZ). DLNZ is a wholly owned subsidiary of Unilever New Zealand Limited.

Both companies manufacture and supply "professional" detergents, cleaning and hygiene products and systems to commercial and institutional customers, such as hotels, hospitals and commercial cleaning contractors. In addition, they sell food and beverage cleaning products and hygiene chemicals and systems to industrial customers.

In considering the application, the Commission's role is to determine whether the merger has the effect of substantially lessening competition in a market.

A public version of the application is available on request from the Commerce Commission.