Rule 8.3- Freeport PLC

Guinness Peat Group PLC
24 August 2007


Re Freeport plc

The following is the text of a letter which is being sent today by Guinness Peat
Group plc ("GPG") to Freeport plc ("Freeport") in connection with GPG's purchase
of shares in Freeport.


"Disclosure of Interest in Shares pursuant to Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code 
(the "Code")

Guinness Peat Group plc and its subsidiary companies ("the Group") hereby notify
Freeport plc ("Freeport") that, following the market acquisition of 1,037,030
Ordinary shares on 24 August 2007 at £4.05 per Share, the Group's direct
interest now amounts to 8,617,811 Shares representing 22.76% of the issued share
capital of Freeport.

The Group has no interest in options or derivatives in the shares of Freeport.
Therefore, following the above transaction, in accordance with its disclosure
obligations under Rule 8.3 of the Code, the Group has a long interest in
relevant securities (as defined in the Code) in aggregate totalling 22.76% of
the issued shares of Freeport.

The Group has an interest by virtue of being a Rule 8.3 shareholder of 
Freeport."


Richard Russell     
Company Secretary     
Guinness Peat Group plc    
Tel: [phone]     

24 August 2007



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