Whatman PLC - Statement re. Press Comment

RNS Number:7747L
Whatman PLC
15 January 2008

January 15, 2008

Whatman plc ('Whatman')

Statement regarding press speculation

The Board of Whatman notes recent press speculation and confirms that it has
received a number of preliminary approaches to acquire the Company. The Board is
in discussions with third parties in relation to a possible offer for the entire
share capital of Whatman. However, there is no certainty that any offer will be
made. An update will be made in due course when appropriate.

For the purposes of Rule 2.10 of the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers,
Whatman's current issued share capital at close of business on 14-Jan-2008
consists of 132,213,099 ordinary shares of 1 pence each (Whatman does not hold
any shares in treasury). The International Securities Identification Number for
Whatman ordinary shares is GB0006066574.

Enquiries

Whatman plc
Kieran Murphy, CEO
Chris Rickard, Finance Director 01622 676 670

Financial Dynamics
David Yates / Ben Brewerton 0207 831 3113

Dealing Disclosure Requirements

Under the provisions of Rule 8.3 of the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the
"Code"), if any person is, or becomes, "interested" (directly or indirectly) in
1% or more of any class of "relevant securities" of Whatman, 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 the 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unconditional as to acceptances, lapses or is otherwise withdrawn or on which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 Whatman, 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 Whatman by Whatman, or by any of its "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.

Terms in quotation marks are defined in the Takeover 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.

This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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