Acquisition Of P&O Prompts FTSE 100 Changes

FTSE Group, the global index provider, confirms constituent changes to a number of FTSE indices including the FTSE 100, arising from the acquisition of P&O Co by Ports, Custom and Free Zone Corporation in Dubai. As a result of this action, P&O will be deleted from all FTSE indices.

Steel company Corus Group, which is the highest ranked company in the FTSE 100 reserve list, will move into to the FTSE 100. Cambridge Antibody Technology Group will be added to the FTSE 250 at the same time. The changes will become effective at the close of business on Wednesday March 8, 2006. FTSE Group’s quarterly review of the UK indices will follow its normal process as scheduled – any changes arising from this review will be announced at the close of business on 8 March.

Imogen Dillon-Hatcher, FTSE’s Managing Director Europe, Middle East & Africa said “FTSE’s immediate response to this corporate action ensures that all FTSE indices provide an accurate and up to date picture of market conditions for investors.”

For full details on the FTSE indices affected by this change, please visit www.ftse.com.