Statement re Absa

Barclays PLC
11 April 2006


                                  Barclays PLC

Shareholders are advised that Absa Group Limited ('Absa'), in which Barclays PLC
has a shareholding of over 56%, has today issued the following announcement:

ABSA GROUP LIMITED
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
(Registration number: 1986/003934/06)
ISIN code: ZAE000067237
JSE share code: ASA
Issuer code: AMAGB
('Absa' or 'Absa Group')
Notice in terms paragraph 3.59 of the Listings Requirements of the JSE Limited

DR DANIE CRONJE TO RETIRE AS CHAIRMAN AND DIRECTOR OF THE ABSA GROUP WITH EFFECT
                              FROM 31ST MARCH 2007
          
Absa Group Limited and Absa Bank Limited announce that Dr Danie Cronje has
informed the respective boards of his decision to retire as chairman and
director of both boards with effect from 31st March 2007. Dr Cronje will
continue to be an independent director on the boards of Barclays PLC and
Barclays Bank PLC.

Absa has initiated a process to select a successor to Dr Cronje with the
intention that this person will be in place prior to 31st March 2007 in order to
ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities. This will be an independent
appointment.

Commenting, Dr Cronje says:

'I have been with the Absa Group since 1975 in a variety of roles and am pleased
to have contributed to the development of the organisation into one of the
leading banks in South Africa. Having been both deputy chief executive and Group
chief executive, and chairman since 1997, I now feel it appropriate to hand over
the reins. By the time of my retirement, it will be nearly two years since the
acquisition of a majority stake in Absa by Barclays and the integration process
will be well advanced. I will work to ensure a smooth transition and will
continue to serve on the boards of Barclays PLC and Barclays Bank PLC as an
independent director.'

'Absa is well positioned to continue serving the interests of all its
stakeholders - particularly staff and customers. I am positive that Absa's
social and economic contribution to South Africa will keep growing as it moves
further into an exciting future.'

Commenting, Dave Brink, deputy chairman, Absa Group Limited and Absa Bank
Limited, says:

'Danie has contributed enormously to the success of Absa and my colleagues and I
are sorry that he will be retiring next year. He has been highly successful as
chief executive and subsequently chairman and we are delighted that he remains
involved within the wider Barclays Group.'

In line with King II, the Absa board has a majority of independent directors.
This ensures that the interests of Absa's minorities are appropriately
protected. This will continue following Dr Cronje's departure, and his successor
will be independent on appointment.

Enquiries:
Jacques Schindehutte
Group Executive Director
Tel: [phone]

Issued by:
Jacques Badenhorst
Investor Relations
Absa Group Limited
4th floor, Absa Towers East, 170 Main Street, Johannesburg.
Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Johannesburg
11 April 2006

Lead sponsor
Merrill Lynch South Africa (Proprietary) Limited

Co-sponsor
Absa Corporate and Merchant Bank - Corporate Finance, a division of
Absa Bank Limited


For further information, please contact:

Barclays PLC
Mark Merson                                 Alistair Smith
Director, Investor Relations                Head of Corporate Public Relations
[phone]                        [phone]




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