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28-03
31 July 2003
COMPETITION COMMISSION INVITES EVIDENCE ON ACQUISITION BY
J SAINSBURY PLC OF SOMERFIELD STORES FROM ‘SPRINGWATER’
BIDDING GROUP
The Trade and Industry Secretary, Patricia Hewitt, has asked
the Competition Commission to look into the proposed acquisition
by J Sainsbury plc of 171 Somerfield Stores from the “Springwater”
Bidding Group.
The Commission has been asked to consider whether the proposed
merger may be expected to operate against the public interest.
The Commission has been asked to report to the Secretary of
State for Trade and Industry by 18 November 2003. The report
will be published at a later date.
The Commission would like to hear from all interested parties,
in writing, by 21st August 2003. To submit evidence, please
write to:
The Inquiry Secretary (Sainsbury/Springwater)
Competition Commission
New Court
48 Carey Street
LONDON WC2A 2JT
Or e-mail clare.gallimore@competition-commission.gsi.gov.uk
The Group conducting the inquiry will be chaired by Paul
Geroski, one of 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
- The Fair Trading Act 1973 empowers
the Secretary of State to refer to the Competition Commission
actual or proposed mergers which create or increase a market
share of 25% of the supply of particular goods or services
in the UK or a substantial part of the UK, or involve the
transfer of assets exceeding £70 million. The reference
concerning the proposed merger was made on 30 July 2003.
(See DTI Press Notice ref: P/2003/424)
- Further information can be obtained
from the Commission’s website at: http://www.competition-commission.org.uk
- Enquiries should be directed to
Francis Royle, Press Officer, Tel: 0207 271 0242
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