VPS/SitexOrbis merger - issues statement
4 Apr 2012
The Competition Commission (CC) has published an issues statement as part of its inquiry into the completed acquisition by VPS Holdings Limited of SitexOrbis Holdings Limited.
The parties are the UK’s two largest suppliers of vacant property security services to local authorities and businesses (including residential and commercial landlords, retailers, facilities management companies and insurance firms) across most UK regions. The parties supply steel screens and doors, polymer screens and security alarms, as well as other related property services, to secure vacant social housing and vacant commercial properties.
The OFT referred the merger last month and the CC is now carrying out its own detailed investigation into whether the acquisition may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition (SLC) in any market or markets for goods or services in the UK. The CC is required to report by 19 August 2012.
The issues statement identifies clearly for all interested parties the key questions which the inquiry is examining. The issues statement does not imply that the Inquiry Group has yet identified any competition concerns.
The full issues statement is available on the VPS/SitexOrbis inquiry page along with all other information relating to the investigation.
Any interested party is invited to respond to the issues statement in writing by 25 April 2012. To submit evidence, please email VPS_SitexOrbis@cc.gsi.gov.uk or write to:
Jon Taneski
Inquiry Manager (VPS/SitexOrbis)
Competition Commission
Victoria House
Southampton Row
LONDON
WC1B 4AD
Notes for editors
1. The CC is an independent public body, which carries out investigations into mergers, markets and the regulated industries.
2. The members of the VPS/SitexOrbis Inquiry Group are: Professor Alasdair Smith (Group Chairman & CC Deputy Chairman), Katherine Holmes, Anthony Stern and Professor Puliyur Sudarsanam.
3. The Enterprise Act 2002 empowers the OFT to refer to the CC completed or proposed mergers for investigation and report which create or enhance a 25 per cent share of supply in the UK (or a substantial part thereof) or where the UK turnover associated with the enterprise being acquired is over £70 million.
4. The CC has a 24-week period in which it is required to publish its report, which may be extended by no more than eight weeks if it considers that there are special reasons why the report cannot be published within that period.
5. Enquiries should be directed to Rory Taylor or Siobhan Allen or by ringing 020 7271 0242.
