Transaction in Own Shares

Whitbread PLC
03 July 2006

Whitbread PLC: Transaction in Own Shares

3 July 2006

Whitbread PLC

Transaction in Own Shares

Initial Purchase of B Shares

The terms of the Return of Cash approved by Shareholders on 26 May 2006 enables
Shareholders to sell some or all of their B Shares at 155 pence per B Share,
free of all dealing expenses and commissions, through the Initial Purchase Offer
made by Deutsche Bank. Elections to accept the Initial Purchase Offer were
received in respect of 81,199,220 B Shares, representing approximately 31.44 per
cent. of the B Shares. These B Shares have been purchased by the Company from
Deutsche Bank for an amount equal to 155 pence per B Share plus an amount equal
to the total stamp duty and stamp duty reserve tax paid by Deutsche Bank in
respect of its purchase of B Shares and will be cancelled by Whitbread after
purchase.

The remaining 6,448,317 B Shares, representing approximately 2.50 per cent. of
the B Shares arising pursuant to the Capital Reorganisation, will continue to be
in issue.

Terms defined in the Circular to Shareholders dated 26 May 2006 have the same
meaning when used this announcement.

For further information:

Anna Glover                  Tel: [phone]
Christopher Rogers           Tel: [phone]

Deutsche Bank, which is regulated by the Financial Services Authority for the
conduct of designated investment business in the UK, is acting for Whitbread and
for no one else in connection with the Return of Cash and will not be
responsible for anyone other than Whitbread for providing the protections
afforded to clients of Deutsche Bank or for providing advice in relation to the
Return of Cash.




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