Statement re Possible Offer

13 Jun 2005 07:01

Hawtin PLC13 June 2005 13 June 2005 HAWTIN PLC ("HAWTIN" OR "THE COMPANY") The Board of Hawtin announces that it is in discussions with Panther SecuritiesPLC ("Panther"), the Company's largest shareholder holding, with associates 29.7per cent. of the issued share capital of the Company, which may or may not leadto an offer for the Company by Panther. Shareholders are advised to take noaction at this time. A further announcement will be made as soon as possible. Dealing disclosure requirements Under the provisions of Rule 8.3 of the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the'City Code'), any person who, alone or acting together with any other person(s)pursuant to an agreement or understanding (whether formal or informal) toacquire or control relevant securities of Hawtin or Panther, owns orcontrols, or becomes the owner or controller, directly or indirectly, of one percent. or more of any class of securities of Hawtin or Panther is required todisclose, by not later than 12.00 noon (London time) on the London business dayfollowing the date of the relevant transaction, dealings in such securities ofthat company (or in any option in respect of, or derivative referenced to, anysuch securities) during the period to the date on which the offer becomes or isdeclared unconditional as to acceptances or lapses or is otherwise withdrawn. Under the provisions of Rule 8.1 of the City Code, all dealings in relevant securities of Panther or Hawtin by any potential offeror or Hawtin or Panther, or by any of their respective 'associates' (within the meaning of the City Code) must also be disclosed. If you are in any doubt as to the application of Rule 8 to you, please contactan independent financial adviser authorised under the Financial Services andMarkets Act 2000, consult the Panel's website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.ukor contact the Panel on the telephone number +44 7638 0129; fax +44 20 72367013. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange