ABSA GROUP LIMITED - RENEWAL OF CAUTIONARY ANNOUNCEMENT
ABSA GROUP LIMITED
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
(Registration number 1986/003934/06)
(JSE Code: ASA)(Issuer Code: AMAGB)
(ISIN : ZAE 000013389)
(`Absa`)
RENEWAL OF CAUTIONARY ANNOUNCEMENT
Shareholders are referred to the cautionary announcements released on SENS on 23
September 2004, 4 November 2004 and 22 November 2004 regarding the discussions
of a possible acquisition of a majority stake in Absa by Barclays.
Discussions with Barclays are progressing. Given the complexities relating to a
possible transaction it was considered appropriate on 1 December 2004 for
Barclays to submit a formal application in terms of section 37 of the Banks Act
to the Registrar of Banks in which the permission of the Minister of Finance
(through the Registrar of Banks) is being sought for Barclays to acquire a
majority stake in Absa. Timing of the approval process by the regulatory
authorities is not known.
Shareholders are advised to continue exercising caution when dealing in Absa
securities until a further announcement is made.
Johannesburg
10 January 2005
Financial advisors
Goldman Sachs International
Merrill Lynch International
Absa Corporate and Merchant Bank
Legal advisors
Webber Wentzel Bowens
International legal advisors
Linklaters
Lead sponsor
Merrill Lynch South Africa (Pty) Limited
Co-sponsor
Absa Corporate and Merchant Bank
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