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01-04
14 January 2004
FIRSTGROUP’S PROPOSED ACQUISITION
OF THE SCOTRAIL FRANCHISE
Competition Commission invites evidence
The OFT has asked the Competition Commission
(CC) to look into the proposed acquisition by FirstGroup plc
of the ScotRail franchise currently operated by ScotRail Railways
Ltd.
The CC has been asked to consider whether the
proposed acquisition may be expected to result in a substantial
lessening of competition in the market for the supply of passenger
transport services on point-to-point routes in Scotland. The
CC is required to publish its report by 28 June 2004.
The CC would like to hear from all interested
parties, in writing, by 3 February 2004. To submit evidence,
please write to:
Inquiry Secretary (FirstGroup/ScotRail)
Competition Commission
New Court
48 Carey Street
LONDON
WC2A 2JT
Or email:
Notes for Editors
- 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 (see OFT Press
Release PN 06/04).
- 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.
- Further information on the CC and
its procedures, including its policy on the provision of
information and the disclosure of evidence, can be obtained
from its website at: www.competition-commission.org.uk
- Enquiries should be directed to
Francis Royle, Press Officer, tel: 020 7271 0242.
Group Members
Paul
Geroski (Group Chairman)
Robert Bertram
Chris
Goodall
Charles
Henderson
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