Holding in Company

The Irish Stock Exchange

28 Anglesea Street

Dublin 2

25 January 2011

We have received notification pursuant to section 67 of the Companies Act 1990 of the following interest in the issued share capital of Abbey plc.

Effective Notification Shareholder No. Shares % of Issued

Date Date Share Capital

24.01.2011 25.01.2011 Gallagher 10,166,544 43.19%

Holdings Limited

I would confirm that the shareholder has not acquired any further ordinary shares in Abbey plc over the 10,166,544 previously advised. Their percentage holding has increased following the recent buying of 140,000 ordinary shares by Abbey plc of its own shares on 24 January 2011.

Yours sincerely

For and on behalf of

ABBEY PLC

David J Dawson

Company Secretary

This announcement has been issued through the Companies Announcement Service of

the Irish Stock Exchange.