The Office of Fair Trading has today issued an invitation to comment on the completed acquisition by Costcutter Supermarkets Group Limited of the symbol group business of Palmer & Harvey McLane Limited operating ’Mace’, ’Your Store’ and ’Supershop’ brands and associated assets.

It is considering whether this agreement has resulted in the creation of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002 and, if so, whether the creation of that situation has resulted, or may be expected to result, in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services in the grocery retail sector.

The deadline for feedback is May 7, 2013.

Written representations about any competition or public interest issues should be sent to:

Bola Ajayi

Office of Fair Trading

Fleetbank House

2-6 Salisbury Square

London EC4Y 8JX

Email: bola.ajayi@oft.gsi.gov.uk

Fax: 020 7211 8916