BLOCKBUSTER ENTERTAINMENT LTD/APOLLO VIDEO FILM HIRE LTD

REFERENCE LAID ASIDE

The Competition Commission has laid aside the reference concerning the proposed acquisition of certain assets of Apollo Video Film Hire Ltd by Blockbuster Entertainment Ltd.

The reference was made to the Competition Commission on 2 May 2001 by Dr Kim Howells, the Minister for Competition and Consumer Affairs.

The Commission has concluded that Blockbuster Entertainment Ltd and Apollo Video Film Hire Ltd have, within the terms of section 75(5) of the Fair Trading Act 1973, abandoned the proposal to make arrangements for the acquisition. The Commission has accordingly, with the consent of the Minister, laid the reference aside.

Notes to Editors

The reference was made by Dr Kim Howells, acting on behalf of the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, on 2 May 2001 (see DTI news release P2001/275). It has been laid aside in accordance with the provisions of section 75(5) of the Fair Trading Act 1973.
Further information can be found on the Commission website at www.competition-commission.org.uk
Enquiries should be directed to: Francis Royle, Press Officer Tel: 020 7271 0242