Merger Update

Anticipated acquisition by Unilever of the Alberto Culver Company

The OFT is not referring the anticipated acquisition by Unilever of the Alberto Culver Company to the Competition Commission on the information currently available to it because it is considering whether, instead of making a reference, to accept appropriate undertakings from Unilever to address the competition concerns arising from the merger.

The text of the decision will be placed on the Office of Fair Trading's web site at www.oft.gov.uk as soon as is reasonably practicable.

In the event of media enquires please call the OFT press office on 020 7211 8899.