Disposal

BT Group PLC
17 December 2003


NR0352 December 17, 2003

                           BT SELLS STAKE IN INMARSAT


BT today announced that it has sold its 7.8 % stake in Inmarsat Ventures plc to
Grapeclose Limited, a company indirectly controlled by funds advised by Apax
Partners and Permira. Total cash consideration will be $118m.

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Notes to editors:

BT acquired its stake in Inmarsat in April 1999 on the privatisation of the
former intergovernmental organisation. Inmarsat is a leading provider of global
mobile satellite communications services. The sale follows a competitive auction
process managed by Inmarsat and its shareholders, culminating in the recommended
offer from Apax Partners and Permira at $15 per share.

  Inquiries about this news release should be made to the BT Group Newsroom on

 its 24-hour number: 020 7356 5369. From outside the UK, dial + 44 20 7356 5369.

          All BT Group news releases can be accessed at our web site:

                           www.btplc.com/mediacentre


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