RNS Number:3163M
Office of Fair Trading
13 June 2003

FAIR TRADING ACT 1973 - PRIOR NOTICE OF MERGERS

The Office of Fair Trading gives notice under Section 75B(1) of the Fair Trading
Act 1973 (the Act) that a Merger Notice has been given under Section 75A of the
Act in respect of proposed arrangements for:

Proposed acquisition by J. Sainsbury plc of 171 Somerfield stores from the "
Springwater" bidding vehicle.

The period for considering this Notice will expire on 10 July 2003 unless
extended by the OFT under Section 75B(3) of the Act.

Affected Sector: Convenience Stores (156 outlets), One-Stop Stores (15 outlets).

Representations about the proposed merger may be made by 26 June 2003 to:

Mr R Sanders

Office of Fair Trading

Mergers Branch

Fleetbank House

2-6 Salisbury Square

London EC4Y 8JX

FAX. (020) 7211 8916


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