COMPETITION COMMISSION INVITES EVIDENCE ON THE PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF COMMUNITY HOSPITALS BY BUPA

Stephen Byers, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, has asked the Competition Commission to inquire into the proposed acquisition of Community Hospitals Group plc by the British United Provident Association (BUPA) under the provisions of the Fair Trading Act 1973.

The Commission will consider whether the merger may be expected to operate against the public interest. The Commission has been asked to make its report to the Secretary of State by 11 October 2000. The report will be published at a later date.

The Commission would like to hear from all interested parties, in writing, by 10 July 2000. To submit evidence, please write to:

The Reference Secretary (BUPA)
Competition Commission
New Court
48 Carey Street
London WC2A 2JT

Judith Rees, one of the Commission's members, will head the inquiry. The other members of the group are Kate Mortimer, Arthur Pryor and Tim Richmond.

Notes for Editors

This reference was made under the Fair Trading Act 1973 on 12 June 2000 (see DTI Press Notice P/2000/402).
Biographical Notes

Professor Judith Rees
Miss Kate Mortimer
Mr Arthur Pryor CB
Mr Timothy Richmond MBE TD DL
Further information can be obtained from the Commission website at www.competition-commission.org.uk
Enquiries should be directed to:

Francis Royle, Press Officer Tel: 020 7271 0242