Print   



13 August 2009

Statement re Possible Offer

Immediate Release

Alphameric Plc ('the Company')

The board of directors of Alphameric plc (LSE:ALM, ISIN: GB0000221894) notes the recent movement in its share price and announces it has received a very early stage expression of interest from a third party which may or may not lead to an offer being made for the Company. 

 

These discussions are at a preliminary stage and shareholders should be aware that there is no certainty that an offer will be forthcoming. 

 

Shareholders are advised to take no action at this stage. 

 

A further announcement will be made in due course. 

  

Enquiries 

For further information, please contact:

Alphameric plc                

Peter Bertram, Chairman                                                                                      01483 293 971

Alan Morcombe, Group Chief Executive 

Investec

Andrew Pinder                                                                                                       020 7597 4000

Rowena Murray

 

Investec, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority in the United Kingdom, is acting exclusively for Alphameric and no one else in connection with matters described in this announcement and will not be responsible to anyone other than Alphameric for providing the protections afforded to clients of Investec nor for providing advice in relation to matters described in this announcement. 

 

In accordance with Rule 2.10 of The City Code on Takeovers and Mergers, Alphameric confirms that, as at the close of business on 13 August 2009, its issued share capital consisted of 225,415,063 ordinary shares of 1 pence each. 

 

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 Alphameric, 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until the date on which any offer becomes, or is declared, unconditional as to acceptances, lapses or is otherwise withdrawn or on which the 'offer period' otherwise ends.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 Alphameric, 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 Alphameric 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 the Panel'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. 

 

-ends-

ENDOFDUOSKRKKRWARR