Preference Shares Suspension further to Circular

For immediate release 6 February 2012

ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC ("the Company")

Open Offer, Reorganisation and Capital Reduction, Redemption and Cancellation of classes of Preference Shares, Issue of New Ordinary Shares and Loan Notes, Notice of General Meeting and Notice of Class Meeting ("the Proposals")

Suspension of the 8% redeemable preference shares and 7% preference shares ("the Preference Shares")

General Meeting and Class Meeting

Further to the Proposals set out in a circular to Shareholders dated 11 January 2012, trading in the Preference Shares has been suspended, with effect from 07.30 am today.

The Proposals are subject to Shareholder approval at the General Meeting which takes place today at 11.00 am. In addition, the Capital Reduction is subject to the approval of 7% Preference Shareholders at a Class Meeting which also takes place today at whichever is the earlier of 11.30 am and the end of the General Meeting.

An announcement will be made to report on the results of the meetings.

Contact:

Andrew Beaumont, Associated British Engineering PLC 01908 234703

Colin Weinberg, Associated British Engineering PLC 0043 664 885 019 800

Roland Cornish/Felicity Geidt, Beaumont Cornish Limited 0207 628 3396