Statement re Acquisition

Barclays PLC
21 August 2006


                                                                  21 August 2006


Barclays today announces that shareholders representing 96% of the share capital
of Rank Investments and Credits (India) Limited ('Rank') have agreed to the
subscription of equity and preference shares of Rank by Barclays Bank PLC for a
total consideration of $7.5m in cash. Following such subscription, Barclays will
effectively own approximately 99.28% of the equity share capital of Rank.
Completion of the transaction is conditional upon no objection being raised by
the Reserve Bank of India or any other Indian governmental authority during the
30 day period following public announcement of the proposed transaction in 
India. This transaction forms part of Barclays ongoing investment and 
development of its business activities in India.


For further information please contact


Investor Relations                 Media Relations

Anne Ramsay/Karen Menzel           Jason Nisse
[phone]/2929          [phone]


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