34/01
11 October 2001

HILTON GROUP PLC AND BRITISH SKY BROADCASTING GROUP PLC: COMPETITION COMMISSION INVITES EVIDENCE

Patricia Hewitt, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, has asked the Competition Commission to inquire into a proposed joint venture between Hilton Group plc and British Sky Broadcasting Group plc. The venture aimed to develop a fixed-odds betting business linked to Sky Sports channels on the digital satellite platform.

The Commission has been asked to report to the Secretary of State by 11 February 2002. The report will be published later.

The Commission would like to hear from all interested parties, in writing, by 31 October 2001. To submit evidence please either write to:

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

Professor Paul Geroski, a Deputy Chairman of the Commission, will chair the inquiry. The other members of the group will be appointed shortly.

Notes to Editors

1. This reference was made under the Fair Trading Act 1973 on 10 October 2001 (see DTI Press Notice P/2001/545).

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

3. Enquiries should be directed to Francis Royle, Press Officer, tel: 020 7271 0242

Group Members

Professor P Geroski (Chairman)