Decision Summary - General Distributors Limited

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Decision Consent granted
Section 12(a) Overseas Investment Act 2005
Decision date 5 November 2009
Investment An overseas investment in sensitive land, being the Applicant's acquisition of a freehold interest in 0.9997 hectares of land at Fernlea Avenue & Roberts Line, Palmerston North.
Consideration $2,812,500
Applicant General Distributors Limited
Australia (98.98%), New Zealand (0.78%), Various (0.24%)
Vendor Palmerston North Industrial & Residential Developments Limited
New Zealand (100.0%)
Background The Applicant is the property owning entity for Progressive Enterprises Limited (Progressive) which through its subsidiaries operates supermarkets under the Woolworths, Foodtown, and Countdown supermarket brands.

The Applicant proposes to acquire the land to develop a supermarket. The proposed development of the new Countdown supermarket is part of the Applicant's strategy to grow its business in New Zealand.

The overseas investment transaction has satisfied the criteria in section 16 of the Overseas Investment Act 2005. The 'benefit to New Zealand' criterion was satisfied by particular reference to the following factors:
  • Overseas Investment Act 2005
    • 17(2)(a)(i) – Creation/Retention of jobs
    • 17(2)(a)(iv) – Added market competition/productivity
    • 17(2)(a)(v) – Additional investment for development purposes
  • Overseas Investment Regulations 2005
    • 28(c) – Affect image, trade or international relations
    • 28(e) – Previous investments.
More information Jane Morea
Progressive Enterprises Limited
Private Bag 93306 Otahuhu
Manukau 1640

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