GENERAL HEALTHCARE GROUP LTD/COMMUNITY HOSPITALS GROUP PLC

REFERENCE LAID ASIDE

The Competition Commission has laid aside the reference concerning the proposed acquisition of Community Hospitals Group plc by General Healthcare Group Ltd.

The reference was made to the Competition Commission on 20 March 2001 by Stephen Byers, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.

The Commission has concluded that the General Healthcare Group Ltd has, 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 Stephen Byers, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, on 20 March 2001 (see DTI news release P/2001/167 and Competition Commission news release 15/01). 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