REG.L Regulatory News (REG)

15 Jan 2008 09:11

Regent Inns PLC15 January 2008 15 January 2008 REGENT INNS PLC Potential offer approaches and trading update Regent Inns PLC ("Regent Inns" or "the Company") notes the recent increase in its share price and reports that it has received a number of preliminary approaches in respect of potential offers for the Company and is in very early stage discussions with some of these potential offerors. The Board emphasises that these approaches are at an early stage and may or may not lead to an offer or offers being made for the entire issued share capital of the Company. In addition, Regent Inns reports that, since the AGM statement of 3 December 2007, it continues to experience more challenging market conditions against a background of a difficult consumer market generally. Any further announcements will be made as appropriate. In accordance with Rule 2.10 of the City Code Regent Inns confirms that as at the close of business on 14 January 2008 it has 113,349,499 ordinary shares of 5p each in issue. The ISIN reference for the ordinary shares is GB0007304156. Enquiries: Merlin 020 7653 6620Paul Downes 07900 244 888Vanessa Maydon 07802 961 902 Dawnay, Day Corporate Finance LimitedJonathan Garbett 020 7509 2317 Panmure GordonTim Linacre 020 7459 3600 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 Regent Inns, 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 3.30 pm (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until the date on which the offer becomes, or is declared, unconditional as to acceptances, lapses or is otherwise withdrawn or on which the 'offer period' otherwise ends.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 Regent Inns, 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 Regent Inns by a potential offeror or by Regent Inns, 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 thePanel's website. If you are in any doubt as to whether or not you are required to disclose a 'dealing' under Rule 8, you should consult the Panel. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange