Statement re European Open

Smurfit Kappa Group PLC
                  

Smurfit Kappa Group plc ('SKG' or the 'Group') today announced that it has
reached an agreement with The European Tour to conclude its sponsorship of the
European Open with immediate effect.

Garry McGann, CEO of SKG, said: 'We have had a very successful relationship with
The European Tour over the last 13 years, during which time the European Open
became one of the leading events on the Tour's circuit.'

'Last year The K Club also hosted what most commentators regard as the most
successful ever staging of The Ryder Cup. I want to commend everyone involved in
making the European Open the great success it has been since it first came to
Ireland in 1995. In particular, it is important to acknowledge Dr. Michael
Smurfit's unique contribution to the development of golf in Ireland.

'SKG's decision is based on the increasingly international scale of our business
and the inability of a brand such as ours to obtain full value from the
sponsorship.

'A particular word of thanks is due to the Irish Government, Fáilte Ireland, and
our other co-sponsors for their commitment to the European Open over the 13
years it has been staged in Ireland.

'Finally I want to thank George O'Grady, Richard Hills, Peter Davidson, Jamie
Birkmyre, and all the team at The European Tour for the way in which they have
managed the relationship with SKG since we first sponsored the event in 1995'

George O'Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour said:' We are indebted to
the Smurfit Kappa Group - with whom we have reached an amicable agreement for
the future - for their sponsorship and leadership of the European Open for the
past 13 years, qualities which have elevated the stature of the tournament
within The European Tour International Schedule since 1995.

'The success of the Championship is a tribute to the vision of the Dr Michael
Smurfit who has done so much for the European Open Golf Championship, for golf
in Ireland, and for The Ryder Cup. The European Open is a key fixture on the
European Tour, offering a much coveted opportunity for business, and
negotiations are already advanced re its future.'

The European Open, first played in 1978 at Walton Heath, has, since 1995 been
sponsored by the Smurfit Kappa Group and played at The K Club, the venue of The
2006 Ryder Cup, in Ireland. The tournament has also been hosted by East Sussex
National, Royal Liverpool, Sunningdale and Turnberry.

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Contacts - The European Tour                                                       Information

The European Tour - Communications
 Division                                   + 44 (0) 1344 840400        [e-mail]
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Contacts - Smurfit Kappa Group plc                                                  Information

K Capital Source                                 +353 1 631 [e-mail]
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