23/01
28 June 2000

DURALAY INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LIMITED/GATES CONSUMER & INDUSTRIAL: COMPETITION COMMISSION INVITES EVIDENCE

Melanie Johnson, Minister for Competition, Consumers and Markets, has asked the Competition Commission to look into the acquisition by Duralay International Holdings Ltd of Gates Consumer & Industrial.

The Commission’s inquiry is concerned with the supply of carpet underlay and gripper in the United Kingdom. The Commission has been asked to report to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry by 18 October 2001. The report will be published at a later date.

The Commission would like to hear from all interested parties, in writing, by 13 July 2001. To submit evidence please either write to:

or e-mail: timothy.oyler@competition-commission.org.uk

Mrs Denise Kingsmill, a deputy chairman of the Commission, will chair the inquiry. Other Members will be appointed to the Inquiry shortly.

Notes to Editors

1. This reference was made under the Fair Trading Act 1973 on 28 June 2001 (see DTI Press Notice P/2001/340).

2. Biographical Notes

Mrs Denise Kingsmill CBE has, since 1979 pursued a legal career, specialising in Industrial Relations, Employment Law and Corporate Governance. She was born in New Zealand and grew up in South Wales. After reading Economics and Anthropology at Cambridge she spent the early part of her career in marketing with ICI and the International Wool Secretariat before sitting Bar and solicitors' examinations in the late 1970s. She is a Governor of the College of Law, an Honorary Fellow of the University of Wales, Cardiff and a Trustee of the Design Museum.

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 DPB Kingsmill (Chairman)
Mr AJ Pryor
Professor A Steele
Mr A Young