29th Feb 2008 17:03
Total voting rights
29 February 2008
In accordance with Disclosure and Transparency Rule 5.6.1, Friends Provident plc (the "Company") advises that, as of the close of business on 29 February 2008, the Company's issued share capital now consists of 2,341,118,083 ordinary shares of 10p each, of which 17,996,147 are treasury shares. Accordingly, the Company's capital now consists of 2,323,121,936 ordinary shares with voting rights.
The above figure of 2,323,121,936 may be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, the Company under the FSA's Disclosure and Transparency Rules.
Dealing Disclosure Requirements
Under the provisions of Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the "Code"), if any person is, or becomes, "interested" (directly or indirectly) in 1% or more of any class of "relevant securities" of Friends Provident plc, all "dealings" in any "relevant securities" of that company (including by means of an option in respect of, or a derivative referenced to, any such "relevant securities") must be publicly disclosed by no later than 3.30pm (London time) on the London business day following the date of the relevant transaction.
This requirement will continue until the date on which the offer becomes, or is declared, unconditional as to acceptances, lapses or is otherwise withdrawn or on which the "offer period" otherwise ends. If two or more persons act together pursuant to an agreement or understanding, whether formal or informal, to acquire an "interest" in "relevant securities" of Friends Provident plc, they will be deemed to be a single person for the purpose of Rule 8.3.
Under the provisions of Rule 8.1 of the Code, all "dealings" in "relevant securities" of Friends Provident by an offeror or Friends Provident, or by any of their respective "associates", must be disclosed by no later than 12.00 noon (London time) on the London business day following the date of the relevant transaction.
A disclosure table, giving details of the companies in whose "relevant securities" "dealings" should be disclosed, and the number of such securities in issue, can be found on the Takeover Panel's website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.
"Interests in securities" arise, in summary, when a person has long economic exposure, whether conditional or absolute, to changes in the price of securities. In particular, a person will be treated as having an "interest" by virtue of the ownership or control of securities, or by virtue of any option in respect of, or derivative referenced to, securities.
Terms in quotation marks are defined in the Code, which can also be found on the Panel's website. If you are in any doubts as to whether or not you are required to disclose a "dealing" under Rule 8, you should consult the Panel.
Enquiries: Gordon Ellis, Group Secretary 0845 2683441
FRIENDS PROVIDENT PLCRelated Shares:
Fondul Proprietatea