Merger Update



Invitation to Comment

Completed acquisition by Cartonplastgroup Holding S.A. (Indirectly via its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Cartonplast Trading GMBH and Cartonplast UK Ltd) of certain assets of the Demes business unit of DS Smith Plc

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:plastic layer pad rentalsand sorting/repair of pallets.

Please send written representations about any competition or public interest issues

to:

MsMarie Didierlaurent

Office of Fair Trading

Fleetbank House

2-6 Salisbury Square

LondonEC4Y 8JX

Email:marie.didierlaurent@oft.gsi.gov.uk

Fax: 020 7211 8916

to arriveby20January2010.