Merger Update

19 Dec 2008 14:00



Invitation to Comment

Completed acquisition by Sports Direct International plc of a number of stores from JJB Sports plc (from 1 December 2006)

Please note that this invitation to comment relates to the acquisition of stores by Sports Direct International plc from JJB Sports plc and differs from the invitation to comment that the OFT released on 2 December 2008 which concerns the acquisition of an interest in JJB Sports plc by Sports Direct International plc.

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: sports retailing

Please send written representations about any competition or public interest issues 

to:

Eve Cinnirella

Office of Fair Trading

Fleetbank House

2-6 Salisbury Square

London EC4Y 8JX 

Email: eve.cinnirella@oft.gsi.gov.uk 

Fax: 020 7211 8916 

to arrive by 7 January 2009.