Explanatory note

These Regulations amend the Merger (Fees) Regulations 1990. Regulation 2(2) and (3) amends the 1990 Regulations to exempt acquiring enterprises where they are small or medium sized (as defined by reference to the Companies Act 1985) from the payment of fees in respect of the matters described in regulations 2(b) to (e) of the 1990 Regulations. The exemption does not apply to newspaper mergers or to fees becoming payable before 1st June 2001.

Regulation 2(4) makes an amendment to the 1990 Regulations to substitute references to the Water Industries Act 1991 for references to the Water Act 1989, the relevant provision of the Act of 1989 being re-enacted by the Act of 1991.

A Regulatory Impact Assessment has been prepared in relation to these Regulations. A copy may be obtained from Competition Policy Directorate 1a, Department of Trade and Industry, Room 637, 1 Victoria Street, London SW1H 0ET; telephone 020 7215 5009; e-mail: [email protected]. Copies have also been placed in the libraries of both Houses of Parliament.