Merger Update

RNS Number:2997T
Office of Fair Trading
28 October 2005

Merger Update:


The OFT is currently reviewing the following undertakings given under the Fair
Trading Act 1973.  The undertakings were given to address competition concerns
arising in respect of particular merger situations:



Undertakings given to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry by France
Telecom SA on 10 May 2000 pursuant to section 75G(1) of the Fair Trading Act
1973 in relation to its acquisition of interests in NTL Incorporated.


Undertakings given to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry by Kemira Oy
on 9 December 1991 pursuant to section 88(2) of the Fair Trading Act 1973
following a report of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission entitled "Kemira Oy
and Imperial Chemical Industries PLC: a report on the proposed merger" (Cm 1406)
published on 23 January 1991.


The OFT is examining whether changes and developments in both the market and the
businesses concerned (for instance if a company is no longer trading in a
particular sector) mean that the undertakings can be removed varied, or
superseded.



The OFT is currently minded to recommend that the Secretary of State release
these parties from these undertakings.  However, before reaching any final
decision, interested parties are invited to give their views to the OFT.



Representations should be made in writing by 4 November 2005 to David
Blocksidge, Mergers Branch, Office of Fair Trading, Fleetbank House, 2-6
Salisbury Square, London, EC4Y 8JX.

Mergers Branch

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