Fuente : UK Government
http://www.open.gov.uk/

UK: COMPLETED ACQUISTION BY WILLIAM HILL PLC OF THE LICENSED BETTING OFFICE BUSINESS OF STANLEY PLC

OFT considers undertakings instead of reference to the Competition Commission

/noticias.info/
The OFT has decided today not to refer the completed acquisition by William Hill of the licensed betting office business of Stanley Plc to the Competition Commission provided that satisfactory undertakings to address the competition concerns arising from the supply of licensed betting services in local areas throughout the UK are given. If the parties do not give such undertakings, then the transaction will be referred.

Vincent Smith, OFT Competition Enforcement Director said,
'The loss of Stanley as a competitor in licensed betting services can cause serious competition concerns on a local level. It raises the realistic prospect of a significant lessening of competition in around 80 local areas. This means significantly reduced choice for punters who in most cases tend to place a bet at a bookmaker within walking distance of their home or work. However, William Hill has offered divestment undertakings which may address the OFT's concerns.'

NOTES
1. The Reference Test - The OFT has a duty to make a reference to the CC if the OFT believes that it is or may be the case that a relevant merger situation has been created; and the creation of that situation has resulted, or may be expected to result, in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services.

2. Under the Enterprise Act 2002 a relevant merger situation is created if two or more enterprises have ceased to be distinct enterprises; and the value of the turnover in the United Kingdom of the enterprise being taken over exceeds £70 million; or as a result of the transaction, in relation to the supply of goods or services of any description, a 25% share of supply in the UK (or a substantial part thereof) is created or enhanced.

3. Under section 73 of the Enterprise Act 2002 the OFT may, instead of making a reference, and for the purpose of remedying, mitigating or preventing the substantial lessening of competition concerned, or any adverse effect which has or may have resulted from it or may be expected to result from it, accept from such of the parties concerned as it considers appropriate undertakings to take such action as it considers appropriate. In doing so, the OFT will have regard to the need to achieve as comprehensive a solution as is reasonable and practicable to the substantial lessening of competition and any adverse effects resulting from it.

4. Before accepting any such undertakings under Schedule 10 of the Enterprise Act 2002, the OFT shall give notice of the proposed undertakings and will consider any representations made in accordance with that notice.

5. The text of these decisions will be placed on the Office of Fair Trading's web site at http://www.oft.gov.uk and will also appear in the Office's Weekly Gazette as soon as is reasonably practicable.

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Client ref 144/05

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