20th Mar 2007 16:37
Barclays PLC20 March 2007 20th March 2007 BARCLAYS PLC Barclays and ABN AMRO Announce Outline of Preliminary Discussions Further to the announcement of 19th March 2007, Barclays PLC ("Barclays") andABN AMRO Holding N.V. ("ABN AMRO") confirm that they are in exclusivepreliminary discussions with regard to a potential combination of the twoorganisations that would create value for both sets of shareholders. These talksare at an early and exploratory stage and there can be no certainty that theywill lead to a transaction or the form it will take. Barclays and ABN AMRO have agreed to engage in discussions that seek toincorporate the following broad objectives: •The holding company of the combined entity would be a UK incorporated company (PLC) with a primary listing on the London Stock Exchange and secondary listing on Euronext Amsterdam. •The new entity would have a UK unitary Board and clear governance and management structures. •The first Chairman would be nominated by ABN AMRO and the first Chief Executive Officer would be nominated by Barclays. •The head office for the combined entity would be located in Amsterdam. •Discussions have been initiated with the UK, Dutch and other relevant regulators as regards seeking the Dutch Central Bank (DNB) to act as lead regulator for the combined entity. The ultimate outcome of these discussions generally, and in regard to thesespecific objectives, will depend on the consultation with and the approvals ofthe multiple regulators and other stakeholders in the various jurisdictions. Further announcements will be made in due course. - ENDS - For further information please contact: Contacts at Barclays: Investor RelationsMark Merson/James S JohnsonOffice: +44 (0)20 7116 5752/2927Mobile: +44 (0)7770 748 771 Media RelationsStephen Whitehead/Alistair SmithOffice: +44 (0)20 7116 6060/6132Mobile: +44 (0)7880 783 532 Future SEC Filings and this Filing: Important InformationIn the event that Barclays PLC and ABN AMRO Holding N.V. enter into atransaction, they may be required to file relevant materials with the SEC. Suchdocuments, however, are not currently available. INVESTORS ARE URGED TO READ ANYDOCUMENTS REGARDING THE POTENTIAL TRANSACTION IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE,BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors will be able toobtain a free copy of such filings without charge, at the SEC's website (http://www.sec.gov) once such documents are filed with the SEC. Copies of suchdocuments may also be obtained from Barclays PLC and ABN AMRO Holding N.V.,without charge, once they are filed with the SEC. This filing shall notconstitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy anysecurities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction inwhich such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registrationor qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offeringof securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting therequirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
Barclays