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SOL - Sasol Limited - Competition Tribunal confirms the settlement agreement

Release Date: 20/07/2010 17:32
Code(s): SOL
Wrap Text

SOL - Sasol Limited - Competition Tribunal confirms the settlement agreement between Sasol Nitro and Competition Commission Sasol Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1979/003231/06) ISIN: ZAE000006896 US8038663006 Share codes: JSE - SOL NYSE - SSL ("Sasol") Competition Tribunal confirms the settlement agreement between Sasol Nitro and Competition Commission Subsequent to the confirmation hearing held on 14 July 2010, the Competition Tribunal today confirmed the settlement agreement between the Competition Commission of South Africa and Sasol Nitro, a division of Sasol Chemical Industries Limited, relating to allegations of abuse of dominance in its fertiliser businesses. In terms of the confirmed settlement Sasol Nitro will restructure its fertiliser business as outlined in the announcement of the settlement agreement of 5 July 2010. No finding was made relating to abuse of dominance and accordingly no administrative penalty was sought. Nevertheless, Sasol believes the restructuring will address the Commission`s concerns regarding its position within the nitrogen based fertiliser value chain. Sasol Nitro will withdraw from certain downstream activities with increased focus on the core activities of its fertiliser business. The confirmed settlement agreement has the effect of a full and final settlement of the alleged contraventions of excessive pricing and exclusionary practices, which are the subject of the Nutri-Flo and Profert referrals. "This settlement agreement will bring about significant changes within Sasol Nitro and is likely to further enhance competition in the downstream fertiliser market while introducing more downstream players", Marius Brand, managing director of Sasol Nitro, said. "Work has already begun to enable the delivery of these undertakings in a structured and orderly manner and, in the interest of our business, our people and our customers, we will work to deliver these undertakings in a timely and responsible manner", Brand said. The confirmed settlement agreement, together with the changes to the Sasol Nitro business, will not have a material adverse financial impact on the Sasol Group. 20 July 2010 Johannesburg Issued by sponsor: Deutsche Securities (SA) (Proprietary) Limited Disclaimer - Forward-looking statements: In this document we make certain statements that are not historical facts and relate to analyses and other information which are based on forecasts of future results and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. These statements may also relate to our future prospects, developments and business strategies. Examples of such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding exchange rate fluctuations, volume growth, increases in market share, total shareholder return and cost reductions. Words such as "believe", "anticipate", "expect", "intend", "seek", "will", "plan", "could", "may", "endeavour" and "project" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and there are risks that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved. If one or more of these risks materialise, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. You should understand that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the plans, objectives, expectations, estimates and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements. These factors are discussed more fully in our most recent annual report under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on Form 20-F filed on 9 October 2009 and in other filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The list of factors discussed therein is not exhaustive; when relying on forward- looking statements to make investment decisions, you should carefully consider both these factors and other uncertainties and events. Forward-looking statements apply only as of the date on which they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any of them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Date: 20/07/2010 17:32:03 Supplied by www.sharenet.co.za Produced by the JSE SENS Department. 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