Part 3

Mergers
Chapter 3

Other special cases

Special public interest cases

Initial investigation and report by OFT
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1
Subsection (2) applies where the Secretary of State has given a special intervention notice in relation to a special merger situation.
2
The OFT shall, within such period as the Secretary of State may require, give a report to the Secretary of State in relation to the case.
3
The report shall contain—
a
advice from the OFT on the considerations relevant to the making of a reference under section 22 or 33 which are also relevant to the Secretary of State’s decision as to whether to make a reference under section 62; and
b
a summary of any representations about the case which have been received by the OFT and which relate to any consideration mentioned in the special intervention notice concerned and which is or may be relevant to the Secretary of State’s decision as to whether to make a reference under section 62.
4
The report shall include a decision as to whether the OFT believes (disregarding section 59(4)(b)) that it is, or may be, the case that a special merger situation has been created or (as the case may be) arrangements are in progress or in contemplation which, if carried into effect, will result in the creation of a special merger situation.
5
The report may, in particular, include advice and recommendations on any consideration mentioned in the special intervention notice concerned and which is or may be relevant to the Secretary of State’s decision as to whether to make a reference under section 62.
6
The OFT shall carry out such investigations as it considers appropriate for the purposes of producing a report under this section.