Notification of Major Interest in Shares

GUINNESS PEAT GROUP plc

("GPG" or "the Company")

ANNOUNCEMENT

Notification of Major Interest in Shares

GPG announces that it has been informed by Westpac Banking Corporation (and associated companies) that the interest of BT Funds Management (NZ) Limited and BT Funds Management Limited has increased to 51,005,182 ordinary shares in the Company which equates to 3.14% of the Company's total voting rights. 

Chris Healy

Company Secretary

Guinness Peat Group plc

Tel: +44 20 7484 3370

9 March 2012

Enquiry details are:

New Zealand and Australian media: Geoff Senescall on: +64 9 309 5659

UK media: Kevin Smith on: +44 20 7282 1054