Response to speculation

Northgate PLC
10 October 2005



                  Northgate plc ('Northgate' or the 'Company')

                            Response to speculation

The board of Northgate (the 'Board') notes the recent press speculation
regarding the Company and confirms that it has received an indicative offer for
the Company of 1200p, in cash, per ordinary share. The indicative offer is
subject to, inter alia, continuing due diligence, financing and a Board
recommendation.

The Board is considering the terms of the indicative offer and is consulting
with its principal shareholders. At present, there can be no certainty that any
formal offer will be forthcoming nor as to the terms on which any offer might be
made.

This announcement is made without the potential offeror's consent. A further
announcement will be made when appropriate.

Enquiries:

Hoare Govett Limited                   Telephone: [phone]
Julian Goodwin
Andrew Foster
Stephen Bowler
John MacGowan

Hogarth Partnership Limited            Telephone: [phone]
Andrew Jaques
Barnaby Fry
Edward Westropp

Hoare Govett Limited are acting for Northgate and no-one else in connection with
the possible offer and will not be responsible to any other person for providing
the protections afforded to clients of Hoare Govett Limited or for providing
advice in relation to the possible offer.



                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange