Transaction in Own Shares

Abbey Plc (the 'Company')

Share Buy Back

Abbey Plc announces that on 9 December 2010, it purchased 425,000 ordinary shares of €0.32 each in the issued share capital of the Company ('Ordinary Shares') at €4.85 per share for cancellation.

Following the above the total number of Ordinary Shares in issue is 24,201,992.

This purchase was made pursuant to the authority granted by shareholders at an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Company held on 17 November 2010. To date 425,000 shares have been repurchased under this authority.

Enquires:

Abbey Plc: Davy:

David Dawson Brian Garrahy

Tel: +44 1707 651266 Tel: +353 1 679 6363