31/03

14 August 2003

WBB AND TARMAC CENTRAL LTD
COMPETITION COMMISSION INVITES EVIDENCE

The OFT has today asked the Competition Commission to look into the proposed acquisition by Sibelco Minerals & Chemicals Ltd (trading as WBB) of the minerals and materials business of Tarmac Central Ltd to the Competition Commission.

This is the first reference of a case to the Commission under the provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002, which came into force on 20 June 2003.

The Commission has been asked to consider whether the proposed acquisition may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition in the market for the supply of silica flour in the United Kingdom. The Commission is required to publish its report by 28 January 2004.

The Commission would like to hear from all interested parties, as soon as possible in writing, preferably by 28 August 2003. To submit evidence, please write to:

Catherine Abbott
Competition Commission
New Court
48 Carey Street
LONDON WC2A 2JT

Or e-mail:

The names of the group of Commission members who will carry out this inquiry will be announced soon.

Notes to editors

1. The Enterprise Act 2002 empowers the OFT to refer to the Competition Commission completed or proposed mergers for investigation and report which create or enhance a 25% share of supply in the UK (or a substantial part thereof) or where the UK turnover associated with the enterprise being acquired is over £70m .
2. The Competition Commission may extend the 24 week period in which it is required to publish its report by no more than eight weeks if it considers that there are special reasons why the report cannot be published within that period.
3. Further information can be obtained from the Commission’s website at: http://www.competition-commission.org.uk
4. Enquiries should be directed to Francis Royle, Press Officer, Tel: 0207 271 0242