The New Zealand Commerce Commission has published a Statement of Issues concerning Contact Energy Limited's application to acquire up to 100% of Manawa Energy Limited's shares. This document outlines the potential competition issues identified during the Commission's initial investigation into the merger.

It is important to note that the Statement of Issues does not represent a final decision on the merger. The Commission has not yet determined whether to approve or decline the acquisition. Instead, it is an invitation for feedback from Contact, Manawa, and other stakeholders regarding the competition concerns raised.

Interested parties are encouraged to submit their comments via email by the specified deadlines: submissions are due by 21 February 2025, and cross-submissions by 28 February 2025. The Commission plans to make a decision on the merger application by 31 March 2025, although this timeline may change if further investigation is required to ensure that the acquisition does not substantially lessen competition in the New Zealand market.

The Commission's clearance for a merger is contingent upon its satisfaction that the merger will not significantly reduce competition in the relevant market. Additional information on the merger assessment process is available on the Commission's website.