The OFT has referred the acquisition by Ardagh International Holdings of Redfearn Glass (formerly Rexam) to the Competition Commission. "The merged entity controls 50% of most types of glass containers in the UK," says Mr V Smith, OFT Competition Enforcement Director. "The key question here is whether alternative suppliers, both in the UK & abroad, are a competitive constraint post-merger. The evidence is mixed &, together with the substantial customer concerns received by the OFT, these factors lead the OFT to refer the merger to the Competition Commission for further examination." The Commission is expected to report its findings in 4 months. The referral has raised concerns over job losses. Rockware Glass, a division of Ardagh, & Redfearn Glass employ around 1000 people in Doncaster, Worksop, Knottingley & Irvine, & 700 in Barnsley.
