RNS Number:5736I
Office of Fair Trading
11 March 2003

FAIR TRADING ACT 1973 - PRIOR NOTICE OF MERGERS

The Director General of Fair Trading gives notice under Section 75B(1) of the
Fair Trading Act 1973 (the Act) that a Merger Notice has been given under
Section 75A of the Act in respect of proposed arrangements for:

Proposed Acquisition of Coats Plc by Avenue Acquisition Plc

The period for considering this Notice will expire on 7 April 2003 unless
extended by the Director General under Section 75B(3) of the Act.

Affected Sector: Industrial Thread and Craft Products

Representations about the proposed merger may be made by 24 March 2003 to:

Ms Frances Elly

Office of Fair Trading

Mergers Branch

Fleetbank House

2-6 Salisbury Square

London EC4Y 8JX

FAX. (020) 7211 8916


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