COMPETITION COMMISSION INVITES EVIDENCE ON THE ACQUISITION BY VIBE RADIO OF GALAXY RADIO

Melanie Johnson, DTI Competition Minister, has asked the Competition Commission to look into the completed acquisition by Scottish Radio Holdings plc and GWR Group plc (through the joint venture company Vibe Radio Services Limited) of Galaxy Radio Wales and the West Ltd.

The Commission will consider whether the acquisition may be expected to operate against the public interest. The Commission has been asked to report to the Secretary of State on the acquisition by 14 April 2003. The report will be published at a later date.

The Commission would like to hear from all interested parties, in writing, by 5 February 2003.

To submit evidence, please write to:

The Inquiry Secretary (Vibe/Galaxy)
Competition Commission
New Court
48 Carey Street
London WC2A 2JT>

Or email: catherine.abbott@competition-commission.gsi.gov.uk

The Group conducting the inquiry will be chaired by Professor Paul Geroski, a deputy Chairman of the Commission. The other members will be appointed soon. Their details will be announced on the Commission's inquiry website (http://www.competition-commission.org.uk/inquiries/vibe.htm) shortly.

Notes to Editors

1.      The reference concerning the completed acquisition by Vibe Radio Services Limited of Galaxy Radio Wales and the West Ltd was made under the Fair Trading Act 1973 on 13 January 2003 (see DTI press notice P/2003/18).

2.       Further information can be found on the Commission's website http://www.competition-commission.org.uk/inquiries/vibe.htm

3.       Inquiries should be directed to: Francis Royle, Press Officer, tel: 020 7271 0242

Group Members

Professor P A Geroski
Mr R A Rawlinson
Mr J Seddon
Mr R Turgoose
Mr S D Walzer