Baltimore

14 Jan 2005 08:30

Takeover Panel14 January 2005 2005/7 BALTIMORE TECHNOLOGIES PLC ("BALTIMORE") EARTHPORT PLC ("EARTHPORT") Following recent representations made by the advisers to Baltimore, the PanelExecutive has been considering the application of Rule 2.4(b) of the Code to theannouncement by earthport that it is considering a possible offer for Baltimore. Following discussions with the parties' advisers, the Panel Executive hasruled that earthport must, by 12 noon on Monday, 31 January, either announce afirm intention to make an offer for Baltimore under Rule 2.5 of the Code orannounce that it does not intend to make an offer for Baltimore. No extensionto this deadline will be granted, except with the consent of the PanelExecutive. In the event that earthport announces that it will not proceed withan offer for Baltimore, earthport and any person acting in concert with it will,except with the consent of the Panel Executive, be bound by the restrictionscontained in Rule 2.8 of the Code for six months from the date of suchannouncement. Each of the parties has accepted this ruling. 14 January 2005 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange