Merger Update

RNS Number:6192J
Office of Fair Trading
28 September 2006

INVITATION TO COMMENT



Proposed merger of Nationwide Building Society with Portman Building Society by
way of transfer of engagements under Section 94 of the Building Societies Act
1986


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:  banking & finance



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

Mr F PenaFernandez-Garnelo

Office of Fair Trading

Fleetbank House

2-6 Salisbury Square

London EC4Y 8JX

Email: Francisco [e-mail]

FAX: [phone]

to arrive by 11 October 2006.


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

MERSEDFFASMSEFU