OFT refers completed acquisition by VPS Holdings Limited of SitexOrbis Holdings Limited
5 Mar 2012
Competition Commission invites evidence
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has announced today its decision to refer the completed acquisition by VPS Holdings Limited of SitexOrbis Holdings Limited to the Competition Commission (CC) for investigation.
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.
Vacant property security services involve the securing of vacant social housing and commercial properties through the provision of steel screens, doors and alarms.
The CC has been asked to decide whether the merger may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition in any market or markets for goods or services in the UK.
The CC is expected to report by 19 August 2012.
The CC would like to hear from all interested parties, in writing, by Tuesday, 20 March 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 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.
3. 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.
4. Further information on this inquiry, including the terms of reference and other key documents, as well as on the CC and its procedures, including its policy on the provision of information and the disclosure of evidence, can be obtained from the CC website at: www.competition-commission.org.uk.
5. Enquiries should be directed to Rory Taylor or Siobhan Allen or by ringing 020 7271 0242.
