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24-03
8 July 2003
COMPETITION COMMISSION INVITES EVIDENCE ON ARLA FOODS AMBA’S
ACQUISITION OF EXPRESS DAIRIES PLC
Competition Minister, Gerry Sutcliffe has asked the Competition
Commission to look into the proposed acquisition by Arla Foods
amba of Express Dairies plc.
The Commission has been asked to consider whether the proposed
acquisition may be expected to operate against the public
interest in relation to the market for supply of fresh processed
milk in the United Kingdom. The Commission has been asked
to report to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry
by 24 September 2003. The report will be published at a later
date.
The Commission would like to hear from all interested parties,
in writing, by 23 July 2003. To submit evidence, please write
to:
The Inquiry Secretary (Arla/Express)
Room 613
Competition Commission
New Court
48 Carey Street
LONDON WC2A 2JT
Or email mary.sinfield@competition-commission.gsi.gov.uk
The Group conducting the inquiry will be chaired by Denise
Kingsmill, one of the Deputy Chairmen of the Commission. The
other members will be appointed soon. Their details will be
announced on the website http://www.competition-commission.org.uk
shortly.
Notes for Editors
1. The reference concerning the proposed merger was made
under the Fair Trading Act 1973 on 7 July 2003. (See DTI
Press Notice P/2003/394)
2. On 10 June 2003, the European Commission referred this
proposed acquisition to the UK competition authorities under
Article 9 of the EC Merger Regulation (ECMR). Article 9
(6) of the ECMR imposes a four month deadline from the EC’s
referral of a member State’s competent authorities
to publish any report or announce their findings on examination
of the concentration in question. Under Article 7 of the
Implementing Regulation (Regulation 447/98/EC), that period
will expire on 15 October 2003.
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
Group Members
Mrs Denise Kingsmill (Chairman)
Mr Graham Hadley
Mr Christopher Smallwood
Professor Catherine Waddams
Professor Stephen Wilks
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