Dairy Merger Should Go Before Watchdog

Friday 30th Mar 2001 Penny Webster Media Release -- Other

The Dairy Industry's attempt to persuade the Government to allow them avoid the Commerce Commission approval process for the proposed Dairy Company may not be in the best interests of Dairy Farmers, says ACT MP and Dairy Farmer Penny Webster.

"This merger represents one the biggest this country has ever seen. It has massive implications both for the New Zealand economy as a whole, as well as to dairy farmers.

"If it is a good proposal, then it should breeze through the Commerce Commission. It is too important a merger for the industry not to be scrutinised the by a business watchdog.

"On top of that, no one else would be able to get such an exemption- so why should Global Co? Everyone should be on a level playing field in the business world.

“Just because the last proposal didn't pass scrutiny doesn't mean this one won't. Farmers that trust in their directors should be quite happy top get an official approval. After all, once Global co goes ahead, farmers will find it very difficult to change anything. And farmers will be the ones who will miss out if we get it wrong. Commerce commission scrutiny is therefore their protection." Mrs Webster said.

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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