Acquisition

FirstGroup PLC 06 July 2007 6 July 2007 FIRSTGROUP PLC Proposed Acquisition of Laidlaw International, Inc. Regulatory conditions update - Substantial compliance with Department of Justice's request under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act On 9 February 2007 FirstGroup announced the proposed acquisition of Laidlaw International, Inc. Regulatory review under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act ('HSR Act') is ongoing. On 30 April 2007, the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice requested additional information from both FirstGroup and Laidlaw, primarily related to student transportation, which effectively extended the applicable waiting period under the HSR Act during which FirstGroup and Laidlaw may not complete the proposed transaction. FirstGroup and Laidlaw will have certified substantial compliance by the close of business on 6 July 2007. Under the HSR Act, the Antitrust Division must complete its review within 30 days of the day both firms certified their substantial compliance with the Antitrust Division's request. However, the Antitrust Division has asked FirstGroup and Laidlaw to enter into a timing agreement that would provide the Antitrust Division with additional time to complete its review, effectively extending the review period. FirstGroup and Laidlaw are discussing the terms of that agreement with the Antitrust Division and, if an agreement is finalised, will announce further information about the agreement at that time. FirstGroup and Laidlaw remain committed to working cooperatively with the Antitrust Division as it conducts its review and to completing the acquisition. The Board of FirstGroup has no further update on the likely completion date. Terms used in this Announcement shall have the same meanings as set out in the Circular dated 26 March 2007. Contacts J P Morgan Cazenove: Malcolm Moir, Managing Director Tel: 020 7588 2828 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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FirstGroup (FGP)
UK 100

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