PROPOSED ACQUISITION BY SECURICOR PLC OF CERTAIN ASSETS OF THE ROYAL MAIL GROUP PLC

REFERENCE LAID ASIDE

The Competition Commission has laid aside the reference concerning the proposed acquisition by Securicor of the cash handling and distribution business of Royal Mail Group.

The reference was made to the Competition Commission on 8 November 2002 by Competition Minister Melanie Johnson.

The Commission has concluded that Securicor plc and Royal Mail Group plc have, within the terms of section 75(5) of the Fair Trading Act 1973, abandoned the proposal to make arrangements for the acquisition. The Commission has accordingly, with the consent of the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, laid the reference aside.

Notes to Editors

1. The reference concerning the proposed acquisition by Securicor was made under the Fair Trading Act 1973 on 8 November 2002 (see DTI Press Notice P/2002/693).

2. Further information can be obtained from the Commission's website at www.competition-commission.org.uk

3. Enquiries should be directed to: Francis Royle, Press Officer, Tel: 020 7271 0242