ACS

The Association of News Retailing (ANR) is writing to the OFT calling for action on the latest increase in Carriage Charges demanded by Menzies. The 2% increase, which will be in place in September, follows an increase last year of 9.24%.

ANR MD John Lennon said: “The constant increases in carriage charges are a stark symbol that the newspaper distribution process is not working. This latest increase from Menzies comes at a time when diesel prices are 20p less on average than they were last year and inflation is close to zero.

“Now that Dawson News has exited the market, a bad situation has been made worse. We are calling on the OFT to look closely at the threat that the monopolistic position of the two remaining wholesalers has on carriage charge increases and to give a clear view on how this will affect the interests of consumers. The best way to achieve this is through a competition investigation of the market.”

Contacts:

John Lennon Managing Director, ANR
01252 515001 / 07812 144439
Shane Brennan Public Affairs and Communications Manager
01252 515001 / 07921 372 978
Nina Collins Communications Coordinator
01252 515001

Notes to Editors:

1. The Association of News Retailing (ANR) was set up in 2001 as the news and magazines arm of the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS). ACS is the convenience store champion, helping local shops thrive through lobbying, insight, information and commercial services.