RNS Number:1355Q
Office of Fair Trading
25 September 2003

INVITATION TO COMMENT

Anticipated acquisition by Arriva of the Wales and Borders rail franchise

The Office of Fair Trading is considering whether arrangements are in progress
or in contemplation which, if carried into effect, will result in the creation
of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act
2002.  Should it be found to be a relevant merger situation, the OFT will
further consider whether the creation of that situation may be expected to
result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in
the United Kingdom for goods or services that warrants reference to the
Competition Commission for investigation and report.

Affected Sector: Supply of rail and bus services

Please send written representations about any competition or public interest
implications to:

Mr A Hobbs

Office of Fair Trading

Fleetbank House

2-6 Salisbury Square

London EC4Y 8JX

FAX: 020-7211-8916

to arrive by 8 October 2003.




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