TR-1: NOTIFICATION OF MAJOR INTERESTS IN SHARES
1. Identity of the issuer or the underlying issuer of existing shares to which voting rights are attached:
COOKSON GROUP PLC
2. Reason for the notification (please state Yes/No):
An acquisition or disposal of voting rights: ( Yes )
An acquisition or disposal of financial instruments which may result in the acquisition of shares already issued to which voting rights are attached: ( )
An event changing the breakdown of voting rights: ( )
Other (please specify): ( )
3. Full name of person(s) subject to the notification obligation:
THE GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP, INC
4. Full name of shareholder(s) (if different from 3.):
GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT INTERNATIONAL
GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P.
5. Date of the transaction (and date on which the threshold is crossed or reached if different):
23 MAY 2008
6. Date on which issuer notified:
27 MAY 2008
7. Threshold(s) that is/are crossed or reached:
6%
8. Notified details:
……………..
A: Voting rights attached to shares
Class/type of shares if possible using the ISIN CODE |
Situation previous to the Triggering transaction |
|
|
Number of shares |
Number of voting Rights |
GB00B07V4P80 |
14,841,919 |
6.98% |
Resulting situation after the triggering transaction
Class/type of shares if possible using the ISIN CODE |
Number of shares |
Number of voting rights |
% of voting rights |
||
|
Direct |
Direct |
Indirect |
Direct |
Indirect |
GB00B07V4P80 |
|
|
12,555,580 |
|
5.91 |
B: Financial Instruments
Resulting situation after the triggering transaction
Type of financial instrument |
Expiration Date |
Exercise/Conversion Period/ Date |
Number of voting rights that may be acquired if the instrument is exercised/ converted. |
% of voting rights |
N/A |
Total (A+B)
Number of voting rights |
% of voting rights |
12,555,580 |
5.91 |
9. Chain of controlled undertakings through which the voting rights and/or the financial instruments are effectively held, if applicable:
The interest in 775,551 shares arose from an interest held by Goldman, Sachs & Co., a wholly-owned direct subsidiary of GS Inc, acting as custodian for its customers. These shares are, or will be, registered in the name of Goldman Sachs Securities (Nominees), Limited.
The interest in 20,910 shares arose from an interest held by Goldman, Sachs & Co., a wholly-owned direct subsidiary of GS Inc, acting as discretionary manager. These shares are, or will be, registered in the name of Goldman Sachs Securities (Nominees), Limited.
The interest in 6,351,337 shares arose from the interest held by Goldman Sachs Asset Management International, a wholly-owned subsidiary of GS Inc acting as discretionary manager. We believe that some of these shares are, or will be, registered in the name of Goldman Sachs Securities (Nominees), Limited ('GSSN').
The interest in 5,407,782 shares arose from the interest held by Goldman Sachs Asset Management, LP a wholly owned subsidiary of GS Inc acting as discretionary manager. We believe that some of these shares are, or will be, registered in the name of Goldman Sachs Securities (Nominees), Limited ('GSSN').
Proxy Voting:
10. Name of the proxy holder:
N/A
11. Number of voting rights proxy holder will cease to hold:
N/A
12. Date on which proxy holder will cease to hold voting rights:
N/A
13. Additional information:
N/A
14. Contact name:
RACHEL FELL, DEPUTY SECRETARY, COOKSON GROUP PLC
15. Contact telephone number:
+ 44 (0) 20 7822 0000