KODAK PROCESSING COMPANIES LTD/COLOURCARE LTD: COMPETITION COMMISSION INVITES EVIDENCE

Alan Johnson, DTI Minister, has asked the Competition Commission to look into the proposed acquisition by Kodak Processing Companies Ltd of certain assets of ColourCare Ltd.

The Commission will look at all aspects of the merger's likely effects on the public interest, including the market for the supply of development and printing services to amateur photographers in the UK. The Commission has been asked to report to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry by 26 November 2001. The report will be published later.

The Commission would like to hear from all interested parties, in writing, by 7 September 2001. To submit evidence please either write to:

The Reference Secretary (Kodak)
Room 506
Competition Commission
New Court
48 Carey Street
LONDON WC2A 2JT

or e-mail: kodak@competition-commission.org.uk

Professor Paul Geroski, a deputy chairman of the Commission, will chair the inquiry.
Notes to Editors

1. This reference was made under the Fair Trading Act 1973 on 16 August 2001 (see DTI Press Notice P/2001/442).

2. Biographical Notes

Professor Paul Geroski has been Professor of Economics at the London Business School since 1991, and was Dean of the MBA programme from 1995-98 and a Governor from 1999-2001. He previously held a number of academic appointments. His recent research interests have focused on innovation, technological change and determinants of corporate performance. He was President of the European Association for Research in Industrial Economics from 1995 to 1997, President of the Industrial Organisation Society in 1997 and is currently a Member of the Council of the Royal Economic Society. Professor Geroski was born and grew up in the USA before settling in the UK in 1975.

3. Further information about this inquiry can be obtained from the Commission's website at www.competition-commission.org.uk

4. Enquiries should be directed to:
Francis Royle, Press Officer, telephone: 020 7271 0242

Group Members

Mrs SE Brown
Professor PA Geroski(Chairman)
Miss JC Hanratty
Mr EJ Seddon