Competition Commission confirms DFS intent to acquire Regency

Gavin Lipsith

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DFS Group is aiming to acquire all shares and assets of The Nuance Group’s New Zealand subsidiary Regency Duty Free

The New Zealand Competition Commission has announced that it has received a formal application from DFS Group to acquire the total shares and assets of The Nuance Group (New Zealand), trading as Regency Duty Free. The announcement follows Auckland International airport’s decision to oust Regency from the airport in 2009 in favour of fellow incumbent DFS.

Last month Nuance responded to reports that it was negotiating with DFS by saying that the details of the deal had not been finalised.

In a statement, the Commission said: “In considering the application, the Commission’s role is to determine whether the acquisition will have the effect or likely effect of substantially lessening competition in a market.”

The Commission’s decision is due on December 6.