Shareholders are advised that at the general meeting of the company held on Monday 23 December 2002, the ordinary and special resolutions required to give effect to the specific pro rata offer (“the Repurchase Offer”) were duly passed by the requisite majority of shareholders. The special resolution has been registered by the Registrar of Companies.

Shareholders are reminded that the last day to trade and the record date, in order to participate in the Repurchase Offer, is Friday 3 January 2003 and Friday 10 January 2003 respectively. The Repurchase Offer closes at 16:00 on Friday 10 January 2003. The results of the Repurchase Offer will be published in the press on Tuesday 14 January 2003.