4 August 2006/016
Godfrey Hirst applies for clearance to acquire Feltex
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Godfrey Hirst NZ Limited seeking clearance to acquire some or
all of the assets of Feltex Carpets Limited.
Godfrey Hirst NZ is based in Auckland and is owned by the McKendrick family. Godfrey Hirst NZ primarily produces woollen
carpets for the residential and commercial sectors of the flooring market in New Zealand and for export.
Feltex has been operating as a carpet manufacturer in New Zealand since the 1940s, and spread to Australia in 2000. In
New Zealand, Feltex manufactures tufted and woven wool carpets. It also produces wool yarns for its own use in New
Zealand, for export to its Australian production facilities, and for sale to overseas carpet producers.
In considering the application, the Commission's role is to determine whether the acquisition has the effect of
substantially lessening competition in a market.
A public version of the application will shortly be available on the Commission's website www.comcom.govt.nz under Public Registers.
ENDS