J Sainsbury's response to OFT

Sainsbury(J) PLC
19 March 2003


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or the United States



   J Sainsbury plc response to Secretary of State announcement regarding its
                         possible offer for Safeway plc



Sainsbury's notes that the Secretary of State today announced that she has
decided to refer Sainsbury's possible offer for Safeway to the Competition
Commission and awaits the outcome.

Sir Peter Davis, Sainsbury's group chief executive, said,

'Naturally I am disappointed that the regulatory process is to be extended.
However, we will cooperate fully with the Competition Commission and look
forward to a satisfactory conclusion.  We believe a combination with Safeway
would offer more customers greater choice and a superior food proposition.'



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