Response to statement from Shanks Group plc

NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART IN, INTO OR FROM ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OF SUCH JURISDICTION.

11 March 2010

In response to the announcement by Shanks on 9 March 2010, Carlyle announces that it has terminated all discussions with Shanks regarding a possible offer for the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Shanks and has no current intention of making an offer for Shanks.

For the purposes of Rule 2.8 of The City Code on Takeovers and Mergers, Carlyle (on behalf of itself and anyone acting in concert with it) reserves the right to announce, make or participate in an offer or possible offer for Shanks (and/or take any other action which would otherwise be restricted under Rule 2.8 of the Takeover Code) within 6 months following the date of this announcement: (i) following the announcement by or on behalf of a third party of a merger with or an offer for Shanks; (ii) with the agreement or recommendation of the board of directors of Shanks; (iii) following the announcement by or on behalf of Shanks of a "whitewash" proposal (for the purposes of Note 1 on the dispensation from Rule 9 of the Takeover Code) or a reverse takeover; or (iv) if there is a material change in circumstances.

Contacts

This announcement will be available on the Carlyle website (at www.carlyle.com) by no later than 12 noon (London time) on 12 March 2010