Statement re Charter International plc

NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, AUSTRALIA, JAPAN OR ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OF SUCH JURISDICTION.

27 September 2011

Statement re Charter International plc

On 29 June 2011 Melrose PLC ("Melrose") announced a possible offer for Charter International plc ("Charter") under Rule 2.4 of The City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the "Code"). Melrose announces it has completed due diligence and has agreed terms with its financing banks. However, in the current climate Melrose is of the view it is not in its shareholders' best interests to proceed and in accordance with Rule 2.8 of the Code, Melrose announces that it will not be making an offer for Charter.

Enquiries:

M:Communications +44 (0)20 7920 2330Nick Miles Ann-marie Wilkinson