1 Dec 2009 07:00
1st December 2009
Westminster Group Plc
Re: Possible Offer for Pentagon Protection
On 16 November 2009, the Board of Westminster Group Plc ('Westminster' or 'the Group'), the AIM listed supplier of system solutions and products to the security, defence, fire protection and safety markets worldwide, announced that they had made an approach to the Board of Pentagon Protection Plc. ('Pentagon') although there could be no certainty that an offer would or would not be made. The Board of Westminster can now confirm that they have no current intention of making an offer for Pentagon.
Under Rule 2.8 of the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the "City Code"), and except with the consent of the Panel on Takeovers and Mergers (the "Panel"), the statement in the preceding paragraph will prevent Westminster Group or anyone acting in concert with the Group from announcing an offer or possible offer for Pentagon or taking certain other action within the next 6 months unless there has occurred an event, as set out below, which enables the statement to be set aside.
Accordingly, for the purposes of Rule 2.8 of the City Code, Westminster Group reserves the right (on behalf of itself and anyone acting in concert with it) to announce an offer or possible offer for Pentagon and/or to take any other action which would otherwise be restricted under Rule 2.8 of the City Code within the next 6 months in the event that:
the agreement or recommendation of the board of Pentagon is given to the making of such an announcement or the taking of such other action; or
a third party announces an offer or possible offer for Pentagon; or
any announcement is made by or on behalf of Pentagon that it is in discussions which may or may not lead to an offer (or partial offer), or formally or informally invites an offer (or partial offer) for Pentagon; or
Pentagon announces a "whitewash proposal" or a "reverse takeover" (each as defined in the City Code.
Enquiries:
Peter Fowler 01295 756 300
Chief Executive - Westminster Group Plc
Nicholas Mearing-Smith 01295 756 300
Finance Director - Westminster Group Plc
Nandita Sahgal 020 7107 8000
Seymour Pierce Limited
Tom Cooper/Paul Vann 0117 920 0092
Winningtons Financial
Notes:
Westminster Group plc is a leader in the supply of system solutions and products to the security, defence, fire protection and safety markets worldwide.
Westminster's principal activity is the design, supply and ongoing support of advanced technology security solutions. These can range from product only assignments, such as the supply of specialised scanners, to the design and implementation of an integrated system solution such as a border detection and surveillance system. The majority of its customer base, by value, comprises governments and government agencies, non governmental organisations and blue chip commercial organisations.
A copy of the announcement is available on www.wg-plc.com