Part 3

Mergers
Chapter 4

Enforcement

Powers exercisable before references under section 22 or 33

Effect of undertakings under section 73
74
1
The relevant authority shall not make a reference under section 22, 33 or 45 in relation to the creation of a relevant merger situation if—
a
the OFT has accepted an undertaking or group of undertakings under section 73; and
b
the relevant merger situation is the situation by reference to which the undertaking or group of undertakings was accepted.
2
Subsection (1) does not prevent the making of a reference if material facts about relevant arrangements or transactions, or relevant proposed arrangements or transactions, were not notified (whether in writing or otherwise) to the OFT or made public before any undertaking concerned was accepted.
3
For the purposes of subsection (2) arrangements or transactions, or proposed arrangements or transactions, are relevant if they are the ones in consequence of which the enterprises concerned ceased or may have ceased, or may cease, to be distinct enterprises.
4
In subsection (2) “made public” means so publicised as to be generally known or readily ascertainable.
5
In this section “relevant authority” means—
a
in relation to a possible reference under section 22 or 33, the OFT; and
b
in relation to a possible reference under section 45, the Secretary of State.