HILTON GROUP PLC/BRITISH SKY BROADCASTING GROUP PLC

REFERENCE LAID ASIDE

The Competition Commission has laid aside the reference concerning the proposed joint venture between Hilton Group plc (Hilton) and British Sky Broadcasting Group plc (BSkyB).

The reference was made to the Competition Commission on 10 October 2001 by Patricia Hewitt, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.

The Commission has concluded that Hilton and BSkyB have, within the terms of section 75(5) of the Fair Trading Act 1973, abandoned the proposal to make arrangements for the merger. The Commission has accordingly, with the consent of the Secretary of State, laid the reference aside.

Notes to Editors

The reference was made by Patricia Hewitt, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, on 10 October 2001 (see DTI news release P/2001/545). Hilton and BSkyB announced on 16 October that they had decided to discontinue negotiations relating to the proposed joint venture. It has been laid aside in accordance with the provisions of section 75(5) of the Fair Trading Act 1973.

ENDS