26th Sep 2007 15:01
FirstGroup PLC26 September 2007 FIRSTGROUP PLC Proposed Acquisition of Laidlaw International, Inc. EXPECTED CLOSING ON 1 OCTOBER 2007 Further to our announcement of 3 September 2007, the regulatory review under theHart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act ("HSR Act") in respect of ourproposed acquisition of Laidlaw International, Inc. is now almost complete. Wehope to receive final approval from the Antitrust Division of the US Departmentof Justice (the "Antitrust Division") later this week and to close theAcquisition during the course of business hours in the US on Monday 1 October2007. In addition, we have now reached agreement with the State Attorneys General ofthe eleven states which expressed an interest in the transaction, on a packageof remedies designed to resolve any antitrust concerns in those States. AConsent Decree reflecting this settlement has been filed with the United StatesDistrict Court for the District of Massachusetts. The financial impact of this settlement package is significantly less onerousthan the original assumptions made by us at the time of the Acquisitionannouncement. Further more detailed information regarding the transaction will be given at oraround the time of closing, following receipt of Antitrust Division approval,together with a trading update. Terms used in this Announcement shall have the same meanings as set out in theCircular dated 26 March 2007. Contacts: Malcolm MoirJPMorgan CazenoveTel: +44 (0) 207 588 2828 Rachael BorthwickGroup Corporate Communications Director, FirstGroup plcTel: +44 (0) 7771 945 432 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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