nor was he or she able to
overrule the conclusion that a merger does not operate, or may be expected not to operate,
against the public interest.
It is important to note that at all stages of this multistage process a considerable
degree of lobbying occurred by the various interested parties, either in an attempt to
influence the outcome of the investigations or the subsequent course of action decided
upon.Moreover, considerable pressure tended to occur, even before a decision was taken
as to whether or not to make a reference to the MMC.