Merger Update

Invitation to comment

Anticipated acquisition by DS Smith plc of Otor SA

The Office of Fair Trading is considering whether arrangements are in progress or in contemplation which, if carried into effect, will result in the creation of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002. Should it be found to be a relevant merger situation, the OFT will further consider whether the creation of that situation may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services that warrants reference to the Competition Commission for investigation and report.

Affected sector: packaging

Please send written representations about any competition or public interest issues to:

Dimitrios Sinaniotis

Office of Fair Trading

Fleetbank House

2-6 Salisbury Square

London EC4Y 8JX

Email: dimitrios.sinaniotis@oft.gsi.gov.uk

Fax: 020 7211 8916

to arrive by 22 July 2010.