ScottishPower and PacifiCorp have been granted early termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act in connection with their proposed merger.

ScottishPower and PacifiCorp announced their proposed merger on December 7, 1998.

Early termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act is often granted when the proposed transaction presents no U.S. antitrust concerns.

The companies are also seeking regulatory approvals from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the state regulatory commissions in the West where PacifiCorp serves its 1.5 million retail customers.

Commenting on the announcement Ian Russell, ScottishPower Deputy Chief Executive and Finance Director said: "We are delighted to have received early clearance, which keeps us on schedule to meet our regulatory timetable"

Editors Note: The Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 requires that parties to certain mergers and acquisitions file notification with Federal Antitrust Authorities prior to consummation. The Statute imposes a 30-day waiting period during which time the Government reviews the competitive aspects of the transaction.

The Statute is intended to identify transactions involving competitive overlaps between the parties.

Where such overlaps do not exist the Government typically grants early termination of the 30-day waiting period imposed by the Statute.

For Further Information:

Sue Clark
Director of Corporate Affairs     0141 636 4561

Andrew Jamieson
Investor Relations Manager        0141 636 4527

Editors Note:

The Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 requires that parties to certain mergers and acquisitions file notification with Federal Antitrust Authorities prior to consummation. The Statute imposes a 30-day waiting period during which time the Government reviews the competitive aspects of the transaction.

The Statute is intended to identify transactions involving competitive overlaps between the parties.

Where such overlaps do not exist the Government typically grants early termination of the 30-day waiting period imposed by the Statute.