Mergers Update

RNS Number:5527P
Office of Fair Trading
7 January 2002


  "INVITATION TO COMMENT"  

   The proposed transaction between Northern Foods and Kerry Group plc whereby
   Kerry Group will acquire Northern Food's Pork Farm Bowyers van sales       
   operation and its Porkinson and Bowyers branded sausage business, and      
   Northern Foods will acquire Kerry's fried products business.           
   
   
The Director General of Fair Trading is considering whether the above 
acquisition qualifies for investigation under the merger provisions of the
Fair Trading Act 1973.  Should it be found to qualify, the Director General
will consider it further with a view to advising the Secretary of State for
Trade and Industry under section 76(1) of  the Act as to whether or not the
merger should be referred to the Competition Commission for investigation and
report. 


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

     Mrs Wendy Simpson
     4th Floor
     Office of Fair Trading
     Fleetbank House
     2-6 Salisbury Square
     London EC4Y 8JX    

     FAX: [phone]

to arrive by 18 January 2002.