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Media
News
release archive
2003
2003:
April
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| 12-03 |
23 April 2003 |
COMPETITION COMMISSION TO HOLD OPEN MEETING IN RELATION TO THE
ASDA/SAFEWAY; TESCO/SAFEWAY; MORRISON/SAFEWAY AND J SAINSBURY/SAFEWAY
MERGER INQUIRY |
Operational Note |
The Competition Commission announces that
it is to hold an open meeting in this Inquiry on the morning of 30
April 2003 at The Haberdashers' Hall, London EC1. The meeting will
provide a forum for extensive discussions on the effects of each of
the potential acquisitions of Safeway. Representatives from a wide
range of interested parties will give their views on the effect which
any of these potential mergers would have on the markets concerned.
The meeting will ensure that the Competition Commission can consider
the opinions of all parties in determining whether any of the potential
mergers is against the public interest. Topics for inclusion in
the meeting could include both local and national issues, including
the effect on consumers and suppliers of any proposed acquisition.
Commenting on today's announcement, Sir Derek Morris, Chairman
of the Competition and Chairman of the Inquiry, said:
"In chairing the Safeway inquiries I am keen to ensure that
we recognise the views of as broad a range of interested parties
as possible. I want us to receive relevant evidence to the fullest
extent, and for there to be a wide-ranging and focussed discussion.
I am encouraged by the responses received thus far from representatives.
I believe the open meeting will enable us to make significant progress
on a spectrum of issues as a complement to the process of confidential
meetings in the course of the inquiry"
Registration begins at 0845. There will be a photo opportunity
for stills and cameras at 0915. The hearing will begin at 0930.
The first session (0940) of the meeting will be on local competition
issues, including the effects of the possible acquisitions on local
competition and on consumers. The second session (1125) will be
on national issues, including the effect of the possible acquisitions
on the competition situation in the UK, and on suppliers. Both sessions
will begin with presentations by each of the main parties, followed
by statements from the floor. The hearing finishes at 1300. There
will be a press briefing at 1305 followed by a further photo opportunity
at 1325.
Representatives of the press are welcome to observe the meeting
and those who wish to attend should contact the Press Office Tel:
020 7271 0242. A transcript of the proceedings will be available
on the Commission website at a later date.
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Notes to Editors |
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| 1. |
The inquiry into the proposed merger was announced by
Patricia Hewitt, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, on 9 March
2003: see DTI news release P/2003/173 and Competition Commission news
release 08/04. The Commission has been asked to report to the Secretary
of State by 12 August 2003 and the report will be published by the
DTI some weeks later. |
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| 2. |
The inquiry is being carried out by a group of six members
of the Commission: Sir Derek Morris, Professor John Baillie, Mr Chris
Goodall, Professor Paul Klemperer, Mr. Jonathan Rickford CBE, and
Mr JDS Stark. Sir Derek Morris will chair the meeting. |
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| 3. |
The meeting will take place on Wednesday 30 April from
9.30am to 1pm at The Haberdashers' Hall, 18 West Smithfield, London,
EC1A 9HQ. |
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| 4. |
Anyone wishing to attend, particularly those with a
specific interest in the merger (e.g. as customer, employee, shareholder
etc) may apply for an admission pass to: |
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Bob Clark,
Room 509
Competition Commission
New Court, 48 Carey Street
London WC2A 2JT
E-mail: Robert.Clark@competition-commission.gsi.gov.uk |
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Within the constraints of space every opportunity will
be made to meet requests, but in considering applications the Commission
will aim to ensure the meeting is attended by people covering a representative
range of interests. Applicants should explain the nature of their
interest. |
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| 5. |
The open meeting is in addition to the Commission's
normal procedures for carrying out its investigations, which include
collecting evidence in writing and holding private hearings with individual
parties. An outline timetable for the Safeway inquiry may be found
on the Commission's website: www.competition-commission.org.uk |
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| 6. |
Enquiries should be directed to: |
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Francis Royle, Press Officer,
Competition Commission
Tel:020-7271 0242 |
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