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OFT invites comments on proposed acquisition by ASC Computer Software Limited of Torex's LIMS business

4 October 2004

The OFT is inviting comments on the proposed acquisition by ASC Computer Software Limited (ASC) of Torex's LIMS business from iSOFT plc.

On 29 April 2004 the OFT accepted undertakings in lieu of reference to the Competition Commission from iSOFT to divest Torex's LIMS business to a purchaser to be approved by the OFT (see press release 78/04). LIMS are computer systems used to manage laboratory processes in hospitals or trusts.

The OFT invites comments on the proposed merger in particular on the following points:

• whether ASC is independent of and unconnected to iSOFT
• whether ASC has the financial resources, expertise and incentive to maintain and develop Torex's business as a viable and active business in competition with iSOFT and other competitors
• whether the transaction is a relevant merger situation and, if so, whether it would raise any competition concerns.

Comments should be made in writing by 9am on Monday 11 October 2004 to Samina Khan, Mergers Branch, Office of Fair Trading, Fleetbank House, 2-6 Salisbury Square London EC4Y 8JX (telephone: 020 7211 8000, email samina.khan@oft.gsi.gov.uk)

NOTES

1. The Enterprise Act 2002 empowers the OFT to refer to the CC a completed or anticipated merger for investigation and report where such merger creates or enhances a 25 per cent share of supply in the UK (or a substantial part thereof) or where the UK turnover associated with the enterprise being acquired is over £70m, and where the OFT believes that it is or may be the case that the merger has resulted, or may be expected to result, in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the UK.

2. The OFT may, instead of making a reference to the Competition Commission, accept undertakings from an appropriate party to take such action as it considers appropriate to remedy, mitigate or prevent the substantial lessening of competition or any adverse effect which has or may have resulted from it (or may be expected to result from it).

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