Acquisition

Barclays PLC
02 June 2005


BARCLAYS IN FRANCE CONFIRMS THE ACQUISITION OF THE WEALTH BUSINESSES - ING FERRI
AND ING PRIVATE BANKING

Barclays Bank PLC ('Barclays') has signed an agreement for the acquisition of
the wealth business of ING Securities Bank (France), consisting of ING Ferri and
ING Private Banking. This confirmation marks the successful conclusion of
consultation with employee representative bodies and the finalisation of terms,
and follows the initial announcement of 20th January, 2005. It is expected that
the deal will be completed in early July. At 31st December 2004 the combined
business of ING Ferri and ING Private Banking had net assets of approximately
€10m, and assets under management of approximately €2.7bn.



For further information please contact:

Investor Relations                 Media Relations
James S Johnson                    Pam Horrell
[phone]               [phone]




                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange