REG-Centrica PLC Re Agreement

LONDON--(Business Wire)--

CENTRICA TO INVEST IN EDF NUCLEAR BUSINESS IN THE UK

EDF TO ACQUIRE CONTROLLING STAKE IN SPE FROM CENTRICA

EDF Group ("EDF") and Centrica plc ("Centrica") announced today that they have
reached a definitive agreement whereby Centrica will invest in EDF`s nuclear
business in the UK encompassing the current British Energy nuclear power station
fleet and the development and construction of the next generation of nuclear
power stations which will be central to securing the future electricity
requirements of the UK.

Centrica will acquire a 20 per cent. interest in British Energy, the operator of
eight existing nuclear power stations of which EDF acquired control in January
2009. EDF and Centrica will also form an 80/20 joint venture to pursue a planned
programme to build four new nuclear power stations in the UK. Finally, the EDF
Group will acquire Centrica`s 51 per cent. stake in Belgian generation and
supply business SPE.

The key terms of the transaction are:

* Centrica will invest £2.3 billion (€2.5 billion) for a 20 per cent. stake in
Lake Acquisitions, the vehicle through which EDF acquired British Energy. This
investment represents a 6 per cent. discount as compared to the price of EDF`s
offer for British Energy, consistent with Centrica`s position as a 20 per cent.
partner
* Centrica will also assume 20 per cent. of the liability for contingent
guarantees given by EDF in respect of the Contingent Value Rights (CVRs) issued
by Lake Acquisitions as part of its acquisition consideration for British Energy

* EDF will operate British Energy, with Centrica having board representation and
other appropriate governance rights
* EDF and Centrica will offtake the available power from the British Energy
fleet on an 80/20 basis
* EDF will provide Centrica with an additional 18TWh of power at market prices
over five years from 2011
* EDF and Centrica will form a separate 80/20 joint venture through which they
will undertake the pre-development activities for a planned nuclear new build
programme
* EDF and Centrica intend the new nuclear joint venture to construct, operate
and decommission four European Pressurised Reactors (EPRs)
* EDF will acquire Centrica`s 51 per cent. stake in SPE for €1.3 billion (£1.2
billion)
* Centrica`s investment in British Energy and the acquisition of SPE by the EDF
Group are inter-conditional and will be subject to relevant regulatory approvals
in the UK and in Europe, and to approval by Centrica`s shareholders (for which
an extraordinary general meeting is planned for June)
* With an effective asset swap of 20 per cent. of British Energy for 51 per
cent. of SPE, the net cash consideration to be paid by Centrica to EDF for the
transactions will be approximately £1.1 billion (€1.2 billion)
* Completion is expected to take place towards the end of the third quarter of
2009

Pierre Gadonneix, Chairman and Chief Executive of EDF, said:

"This transaction, part of the group's strategy of developing its positions in
Europe, will enable leading British generator, Centrica, alongside EDF, to take
part in the re-launch of nuclear energy in the United Kingdom through an
industrial partnership in a form already pioneered by EDF in China and the US.
This transaction will also help balance both the generation and supply
businesses of EDF Energy. The asset swap in this deal will also see the EDF
group reinforce its Benelux presence by becoming the second-largest generator in
Belgium."

Roger Carr, Chairman of Centrica, said:

"We are delighted to have successfully concluded an agreement with EDF as a
world leader in nuclear power.The deal represents good value for Centrica
shareholders, improves the strategic balance of our business and further
underpins our green energy credentials.The attractive price secured for the sale
of SPE will help preserve our balance sheet firepower as we focus the group on
growth opportunities in the UK and North America."

Strategic Rationale

Investment in Lake Acquisitions and Entry into Power Purchase Agreements

One of Centrica`s strategic priorities is to reduce the Group`s existing
exposure to short-term movements in wholesale energy costs through increased
integration. Centrica had capacity to meet approximately 58 per cent. of peak
demand from its own power generation assets in 2008 and the remainder of the
power must be bought in the wholesale market, exposing Centrica to movements in
volatile wholesale power prices, which are in turn heavily influenced by
wholesale gas prices. Centrica`s existing power generation portfolio is
gas-fired which, along with Centrica`s customer gas demand, also exposes
Centrica to volatile wholesale gas prices.

Acquiring power generation assets enables Centrica to secure the cost of more of
the electricity it supplies to its customers and therefore reduces the overall
exposure of the Centrica Group to movements in wholesale power prices. Power
generation assets not fuelled by natural gas also reduce the Centrica Group`s
exposure to wholesale gas prices.

British Energy is the leading supplier of nuclear energy in the UK and owns and
operates eight nuclear reactors and one coal-fired power plant, which have
capacities of 8.7 GW and 1.9 GW respectively. In the financial year ended 31
March 2008, British Energy generated 50.3 TWh of electricity from its nuclear
plants and 8.1 TWh of electricity from its coal-fired plant. In the six months
ended 28 September 2008, British Energy generated 19.2 TWh of electricity from
its nuclear plants and 3.5 TWh of electricity from its coal-fired plant.

Centrica is entering into power purchase agreements which entitle Centrica to
its pro-rata share of British Energy's output and, in addition, 18TWh of power
from EDF (over five years from 2011) at market prices. The output of British
Energy`s existing fleet will vary from year to year but Centrica`s offtake is
expected to result in Centrica being able to supply approximately 85 per cent.
of its customers` peak electricity requirements from its own resources (27 per
cent. higher than in 2008) and will give Centrica access to significant volumes
of power without exposure to gas prices. The full effect of this decreased
exposure to volatile power prices is expected to be realised by Centrica from
2012 when British Energy`s existing forward sales contracts, which fix the price
at which British Energy sells power, substantially expire.

Participation in New Nuclear Build

In 2008, EDF announced its intention to build four European Pressurised Reactors
(EPRs) in the UK with the aim of having the first reactor operational by the end
of 2017. These new reactors are expected to form part of the UK`s future energy
mix and will in part replace British Energy`s existing power stations (which are
scheduled to be decommissioned between 2014 and 2035). Centrica has the right to
participate in these projects which, when operational, will provide greater
security for Centrica`s energy needs for several decades, reduce Centrica`s
exposure to short-term wholesale commodity price fluctuations and provide
another growth platform. Although the initial plan for the new nuclear build
(NNB) joint venture between Centrica and EDF consists of four new EPRs, further
reactors may be built as part of the joint venture in the future.

Centrica will have the right to take up to a 20 per cent. interest in the NNB
joint venture. Centrica will be responsible for its pro rata share of costs
after it elects to participate in an NNB project and, once the NNB Project is
operational, will be entitled to its pro rata share of power offtake.

Sale of interest in SPE and continental European presence

In January 2009, Centrica acquired GDF`s interest in SPE for €585 million
(including €70 million paid after completion in relation to the Pax Electrica II
contract) in order to increase its interest from 25.5 per cent. to 51 per cent.
Centrica has now agreed to sell this 51 per cent. interest in SPE for €1,325
million. In addition, deferred consideration of up to approximately €30 million
will be payable based on the final terms and the timing of approval of the Pax
Electrica II agreements. Such deferred consideration will only be payable if and
to the extent that deferred consideration is also payable by Centrica under the
terms of its purchase of GDF's interest in SPE.

Centrica believes that the price agreed with EDF for the sale of SPE in Belgium
is an attractive valuation in the European marketplace. SPE comprises the
majority of Centrica`s continental European assets and the remaining businesses
are under strategic review. Centrica will continue to retain a presence in
continental Europe, particularly given that the infrastructure for delivery of
gas remains important to Centrica`s UK business and the benefits that come from
maintaining knowledge of gas flows across Europe.

Financial Effects of the Transactions

Centrica will acquire a 20 per cent. interest in Lake Acquisitions in return for
a cash payment of £2,289 million, representing a 6% discount to the price per
share EDF paid to acquire British Energy. Centrica will receive consideration of
€1,325 million (equivalent to approximately £1,180 million) for the SPE
disposal.

Centrica will fund the net cash element of the consideration from existing cash
resources, including the £2.2 billion rights issue proceeds raised in December
2008. Following the transactions, Centrica will maintain a strong balance sheet
with the residual rights issue proceeds available for further value enhancing
investment opportunities.

The financial impact on Centrica will depend on a number of variables, including
power prices and the output from British Energy`s nuclear power stations. Based
on current forward power prices, and Centrica`s estimates of output, synergies
and other variables, Centrica estimates that:

* the transactions, financed by the SPE disposal and from existing cash
resources, would be strongly accretive to earnings per share in 2010 and 2011,
before taking into account the impact of fair value accounting adjustments which
are described below1.
* if the dilutive effect of the rights issue is included, up to the amount of
the net cash consideration, then the transactions would, on the basis of the
same assumptions above, be neutral on earnings per share in 2010 and 2011 before
taking into account the impact of fair value accounting adjustments¹.

Fair Value Accounting¹

Centrica expects to account for its interest in Lake Acquisitions as an
associate using the equity method of accounting. On acquisition, for the
purposes of consolidated accounts, Centrica will be required to adjust the value
of Lake Acquisitions` assets and liabilities, which will include the acquired
British Energy Group, to fair value. This is expected to result in an increase
in the carrying values of the nuclear power stations which will be depreciated
over the expected life of each power station. These additional depreciation
charges will reduce the consolidated profit after tax of Lake Acquisitions and,
therefore, reduce reported earnings per share in Centrica`s consolidated group
accounts. Centrica estimates that the impact on net earnings, after tax, of
these additional depreciation charges will be in the range of £80-100 million
per annum. Fair value accounting will also require contracts entered into by
British Energy to sell power forward to be marked-to-market, based on forward
power prices at the date the transactions are completed. If forward power prices
remain at their current level, the fair value of these contracts will have an
adverse impact on Centrica`s 2009 earnings per share (the extent of which will
depend on when the transaction completes) and a small positive impact on
earnings per share in 2010 and 2011.

New Nuclear Build

NNB is a long-term investment which is expected to have relatively limited costs
during the pre-development phase. The final investment decision date ("FIDD")
for the first NNB project is currently expected to take place in 2011, after
which time Centrica will incur significant costs until the first EPR is
commissioned which is targeted for 2017. Centrica has the right to participate
up to 20 per cent. in each of EDF`s planned four NNB projects (subject to any
election to take a lower interest in an NNB project) and the FIDDs for each
project are expected to be 18 to 24 months apart.

Centrica`s Governance Rights

Centrica will be a 20 per cent. investor in the joint venture. Under the agreed
structure, EDF will have day-to-day operational control and Centrica has a
package of governance rights appropriate to an investment of this nature. These
include Board representation on the Boards of both Lake Acquisitions and British
Energy Group together with appropriate minority protections. Lake Acquisitions
will adopt a 100 per cent. dividend policy, subject to certain restrictions.

Centrica will have similar governance rights in relation to the NNB joint
venture and will have the right to appoint directors to the holding company for
that joint venture.

Transaction Conditions

The transactions are conditional upon Centrica shareholder approval which is to
be sought at a general meeting in June. A circular will be available to
shareholders and a Notice of General Meeting will be sent to shareholders in due
course.

The transactions are also conditional upon regulatory approval which is expected
to be received during the third quarter of 2009.

Closing of the sale of SPE is conditional upon closing of the UK transactions
and vice versa.

Advisers

Goldman Sachs International and Linklaters LLP are advising Centrica on the
acquisition of the interest in British Energy and the sale of Centrica`s
interest in SPE. Allen & Overy are also advising Centrica on the sale of
Centrica`s interest in SPE. Credit Suisse are also advising Centrica on the
acquisition of the interest in British Energy.

Merrill Lynch acted as financial adviser to EDF. Herbert Smith LLP acted as
legal adviser to EDF in relation to the British Energy transaction and Sullivan
& Cromwell LLP acted as legal adviser to EDF in relation to the SPE
transaction.

Centrica Contacts

Centrica Investor Relations 01753 494900
Centrica Media Relations 0845 072 8001

Goldman Sachs Contacts 020 7774 1000

Julian Metherell
Mark Sorrell
Phil Raper (Corporate Broking)

Notes to Editors

Centrica is the largest energy supplier to Britain`s domestic market and at the
end of 2008 had approximately 15.6 million gas and electricity customers,
representing approximately 43 per cent. of Britain`s domestic gas market and
approximately 22 per cent. of Britain`s domestic electricity market. Centrica
also supplies energy to over 1 million commercial supply points in Britain. In
total, in the year ended 31 December 2008, Centrica delivered approximately 24
TWh of electricity and 5.3 billion therms of gas to its domestic customers and
approximately 19 TWh of electricity and 1.6 billion therms of gas to its
business customers in Britain.

1These statements do not constitute a profit forecast and should not be
interpreted to mean that the earnings per share in any financial period will
necessarily match or be greater than those for the relevant preceding period.

Appendix

Information on the British Energy Group

The British Energy Group is the UK`s largest electricity generator, employing
over 6,000 people. The British Energy Group owns and operates eight nuclear
power stations in the UK: seven Advanced Gas Reactor stations ("AGRs") and the
only civil Pressurised Water Reactor station ("PWR") in the UK. The British
Energy Group also owns and operates the Eggborough coal-fired power station in
Yorkshire, although British Energy is required to sell this power station as
part of the remedies agreed by EDF with the European Commission in connection
with its offer to acquire shares in British Energy.. The British Energy Group`s
total current capacity is 10.6 GW (of which 8.7 GW is from nuclear generation)
with delivered output of 58.4 TWh (of which 50.3 TWh comprised nuclear output)
for the financial year ended 31 March 2008. In the six months ended 28 September
2008, British Energy generated 19.2 TWh of electricity from its nuclear plants
and 3.5 TWh of electricity from its coal-fired plant. The British Energy Group
is the lowest carbon emitter of the UK`s major electricity generators.

It is intended that Bill Coley, currently Managing Director of the Existing
Nuclear business and Chairman of the British Energy Generation Limited Board,
will retire from the Company in July 2009. He will be succeeded by Dr Andy
Spurr, currently British Energy's Chief Technical Officer.

For the financial year ended 31 March 2008, the British Energy Group reported
revenues of £2,811 million (2007: £2,999 million) and net profit attributable to
shareholders of £335 million (2007: £465 million). For the six months ended 28
September 2008 (the most recent results published by British Energy), the
British Energy Group reported revenues of £1,281 million (six months ended 30
September 2007: £1,390 million) and net profit attributable to shareholders of
£23 million (six months ended 30 September 2007: £243 million). As at 28
September 2008, British Energy Group had gross assets of £12,205 million.

Information on Lake Acquisitions

Lake Acquisitions is a private limited liability company, which was incorporated
in England and Wales on 5 June 2008. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EDF and
was established for the purpose of making an offer to acquire shares in British
Energy.

On 24 September 2008, Lake Acquisitions announced a recommended offer for
British Energy and on 5 January 2009, declared its recommended offer wholly
unconditional. On 23 March 2009, Lake Acquisitions completed the compulsory
acquisition process and acquired 100 per cent. of the issued share capital of
British Energy. British Energy`s shares ceased to be listed on the Official List
of the UK Listing Authority and to be traded on the London Stock Exchange plc on
3 February 2009.

Information on New Nuclear Build

In early 2008, HM Government announced that new nuclear power stations should
have a role to play in the UK`s energy mix alongside other low carbon sources
and that there should be no restriction imposed by HM Government on the number
of new nuclear power stations in the UK.

In 2008, EDF announced its intention to build two nuclear reactors on land
adjacent to existing nuclear power stations at each of Sizewell and Hinkley
Point and to have the first reactor at Hinkley Point operational by the end of
2017. EDF has already begun the process to certify the EPR design with the
relevant UK authorities, following an application in the second half of 2007,
which is scheduled to take three and a half years.

British Energy owns a significant number of the sites in the UK likely to be
suitable for new nuclear projects, including land around the Hinkley Point B,
Sizewell B, Heysham 1, Hartlepool and Dungeness B power stations. British Energy
also has a strong presence in the communities where new plants are likely to be
located. As part of the European Commission`s approval of Lake Acquisitions`
offer for British Energy, EDF has given a commitment to unconditionally sell
British Energy`s land at either Heysham or Dungeness on terms approved by the
European Commission. The successful purchaser will have the ability to elect to
acquire the land at either Heysham or Dungeness. EDF also owns land which may be
suitable for new nuclear projects, including at Bradwell.

EDF has recent international experience of and expertise in the construction of
new nuclear plants and, through the expertise and experience within British
Energy, has extensive expertise in, and knowledge of, the UK regulatory and
safety environment. This means that EDF should be well placed to develop
successfully NNB in the UK, which Centrica will benefit from through its
participation in NNB activities as described above.

Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson is Managing Director of New Nuclear Build.

Information on Segebel and SPE

Segebel is a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Centrica which in turn holds a
51 per cent. interest in SPE. Centrica Overseas Holdings Limited has entered
into an agreement to sell Segebel to EDF International S.A., a wholly-owned
indirect subsidiary of EDF.

Centrica acquired a 50 per cent. interest in Segebel in September 2005 for £129
million and announced in July 2008 that it had exercised its option to acquire
GDF`s interest in Segebel for €515 million, plus deferred consideration of up to
approximately €105 million, of which €70 million has been paid, based on the
final terms and timing of approval of Pax Electrica II. Centrica`s total
acquisition cost is therefore approximately £680 million. Following completion
of this subsequent acquisition in January 2009, Centrica owned 100 per cent. of
the issued share capital in Segebel and therefore, indirectly, a 51 per cent.
interest in SPE. The remaining 49 per cent. interest in SPE is held by Belgian
banks and municipalities (including Publilec, Dexia Bank, Socofe, VEH, Ethias,
Publilum and ALG).

As at 31 December 2008, SPE was the second largest electricity generator in
Belgium, with 21 production sites in Flanders and Wallonia, employing
approximately 1,000 people and with a total Belgian production capacity of
between 1,650MW and 1,700MW, representing 11 per cent. of Belgium`s overall
electricity production capacity. SPE has more than 1.5 million customer accounts
and a residential market share in Belgium of nearly 20 per cent., supplying
individuals and companies with gas and electricity under the Luminus brand name.

SPE`s executive team includes Luc Sterckx (Chief Executive), Bruno Van Loocke
(Chief Financial Officer) and Eric Antoons (Corporate Director Production).

For the year ended 31 December 2008, SPE reported net sales of €2,500 million
from the sale of 10,500 million kWh and 14,000 million kWh of electricity and
gas respectively and its profit before tax was €38 million. As at 31 December
2008, SPE had gross assets of €2,100 million.

Centrica PLC

Copyright Business Wire 2009