Statement regarding possible

RNS Number : 1330W

National Express Group PLC

23 July 2009

 



National Express Group PLC

Statement regarding possible offers

National Express Group PLC ('National Express' or the 'Group') notes the announcement made by FirstGroup plc ('FirstGroup') that it does not intend to make an offer for the Group.

National Express announced on 29 June 2009 that it had received a highly preliminary approach regarding a potential share for share merger on unspecified terms from FirstGroup.  The Board confirmed that it was focused on implementing a number of initiatives to strengthen the Group and did not consider it appropriate to enter into discussions with FirstGroup. 

The Group subsequently received an approach in connection with a possible offer for the Group from another third party whose intentions are not yet known. There can be no certainty that this approach will lead to an offer being made for National Express or as to the terms on which any offer might be made.

A further announcement will be made when appropriate.

Enquiries:

National Express Group PLC
Jez Maiden Group Finance Director	020 7506 4324
Nicole Lander Director of Communications	0121 460 8401
Maitland	020 7379 5151
Neil Bennett George Hudson
Merrill Lynch International	020 7628 1000
Simon Mackenzie-Smith
Simon Fraser (Corporate Broking)
Morgan Stanley & Co. Limited	020 7425 8000
Matthew Jarman
Peter Moorhouse (Corporate Broking)
Greenhill & Co. International LLP	020 7198 7400
Simon Borrows
Hugh Tidbury

Merrill Lynch International (a subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation), Morgan Stanley & Co. Limited and Greenhill & Co. International LLP are acting exclusively for National Express Group PLC in relation to the possible offer and will not be responsible to anyone other than National Express Group PLC for providing the protections afforded to each of their clients or for providing advice in relation to the possible offer.

Dealing Disclosure Requirements  

Under the provisions of Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the 'Code'), if any person is, or becomes, 'interested' (directly or indirectly) in 1% or more of any class of 'relevant securities' of National Express, all 'dealings' in any 'relevant securities' of that company (including by means of an option in respect of, or a derivative referenced to, any such 'relevant securities') must be publicly disclosed by no later than 3.30 pm (London time) on the London business day following the date of the relevant transaction. This requirement will continue until the date on which the offer becomes, or is declared, unconditional as to acceptances, lapses or is otherwise withdrawn or on which the 'offer period' otherwise ends. If two or more persons act together pursuant to an agreement or understanding, whether formal or informal, to acquire an 'interest' in 'relevant securities' of National Express they will be deemed to be a single person for the purpose of Rule 8.3.  

Under the provisions of Rule 8.1 of the Code, all 'dealings' in 'relevant securities' of National Express by National Express or by any of their 'associates', must be disclosed by no later than 12.00 noon (London time) on the London business day following the date of the relevant transaction.  

A disclosure table, giving details of the companies in whose 'relevant securities' 'dealings' should be disclosed, and the number of such securities in issue, can be found on the Takeover Panel's website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.  

'Interests in securities' arise, in summary, when a person has long economic exposure, whether absolute or conditional, to changes in the price of securities. In particular, a person will be treated as having an 'interest' by virtue of the ownership or control of securities, or by virtue of any option in respect of, or derivative referenced to, securities.  

Terms in quotation marks are defined in the Code, which can also be found on the Takeover Panel's website. If you are in any doubt as to whether or not you are required to disclose a 'dealing' under Rule 8, you should consult the Panel.  

 

END

 

 

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