Merger Update

RNS Number:7748N
Office of Fair Trading
21 July 2003


INVITATION TO COMMENT


Anticipated Acquisition by Assa Abloy AB of the European Security Hardware
Business of Black and Decker.


The Office of Fair Trading is considering whether arrangements are in progress
or in contemplation which, if carried into effect, will result in the creation
of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act
2002.  Should it be found to be a relevant merger situation, the OFT will
further consider whether the creation of that situation may be expected to
result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in
the United Kingdom for goods or services that warrants reference to the
Competition Commission for investigation and report.

Affected Sector: Locks and Padlocks.

Please send written representations about any competition or public interest
implications to:

Mr M Potts

Office of Fair Trading

Fleetbank House

2-6 Salisbury Square

London EC4Y 8JX

FAX: [phone]

to arrive by 1 August 2003.


                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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