The Commerce Commission has received a clearance application from Zoetis Holdings LLC to acquire the global animal genomic testing business of Neogen Corporation.

In New Zealand, both Zoetis and Neogen are active in the provision of genetic testing services for livestock (in particular beef cattle) to farmers. The results of these tests allow farmers to assess animal and herd performance, genetic merit and assist with livestock management.

Zoetis is a global animal health company offering a range of medicines and associated products for livestock and companion animals. Neogen is a global provider of animal health, food safety, life sciences and toxicology products.

The Commerce Commission has today published a statement of preliminary issues in relation to the application. The statement outlines the key competition issues that the Commission considers important in deciding whether to grant clearance to the proposed acquisition.

The Commission invites interested parties to provide comments on the likely competitive effects of the proposed acquisition. Submissions can be sent by email to registrar@comcom.govt.nz with the reference “Zoetis/Neogen” in the subject line. Any submissions should be received by close of business on 27 May 2026.

The Commission is currently scheduled to make a decision on the application by 9 July 2026. However, this date may be extended with the agreement of the applicants if the material before the Commission at that time does not allow it to be satisfied that the proposed acquisition will not have, or would not be likely to have, the effect of substantially lessening competition in a market in New Zealand.

The Statement of Preliminary Issues and a public version of the application can be found on the case register.

Background

We will only give clearance to a proposed merger if we are satisfied that the merger is unlikely to have the effect of substantially lessening competition in a market.

Further information explaining how the Commission assesses a merger application is available on our website: https://www.comcom.govt.nz/business/merging-or-acquiring-a-company/

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