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Commission files proceedings against livestock companies
3 August 2015
Commission files court proceedings
against livestock companies
The Commerce Commission
has filed court proceedings against PGG Wrightson, Elders
New Zealand and five individuals for alleged price fixing in
connection with the introduction of the National Animal
Identification Tracing Act 2012 (NAIT Act).
The Commission alleges these companies and individuals breached the Commerce Act by establishing three pricing agreements prior to the NAIT Act coming into force on 1 July 2012. The individuals involved are all current or former employees of PGG Wrightson and Elders. In proceedings filed in Auckland High Court on Friday, the Commission alleges agreements were made to:
fix the price of tagging un-tagged cattle at sale yards
increase yard fee charges
increase stock and station agent charges by introducing an administration fee for NAIT-related costs.
The Commission is in discussions with a third company, Rural Livestock, and will provide a further update shortly.
As this case is now before the courts, the Commission cannot comment further at this time.
ends
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