Offer for PlusNet

BT Group PLC
16 November 2006


DC06-616 16 November 2006

                BT MAKES RECOMMENDED CASH OFFER FOR PLUSNET PLC

BT today announced it has made a recommended cash offer for PlusNet, offering
210p per share, valuing the company at approximately £67m.

The offer for PlusNet fits perfectly with BT's strategy of providing its
customers with the most that broadband can deliver. Broadband is increasingly
becoming more than just fast internet access and PlusNet has a strong reputation
for both customer service and innovation.

Operating since 1997, PlusNet was listed on the Alternative Investment Market in
2004. It has grown rapidly during the last few years and now has close to
200,000 broadband customers as well as an additional narrowband customer base.
If the offer is accepted, PlusNet will retain its brand and distinct identity.
It will continue to operate from its base in Sheffield and Lee Strafford will
remain its CEO. For the 12 months to 30 June 2006 the company had revenues of
£41m, EBITDA of £7.5m and net income of £3.9m.

BT Retail chief executive, Ian Livingston said: "This offer makes great sense
for BT. We already provide the UK's most popular and best-performing ADSL
broadband service and this acquisition will ensure that even more people can
enjoy our market-leading services. PlusNet's customers and employees will
benefit from the combination of PlusNet's excellent platform and access to BT's
resources and technology development."

Lee Strafford, CEO of PlusNet said: "I am pleased to announce BT's offer this
morning. Whilst the PlusNet Directors continue to believe that PlusNet is a high
quality business, our sector is consolidating and there are considerable
benefits to PlusNet in becoming part of BT. BT recognises the importance of
retaining PlusNet's identity and culture and I believe this will give rise to
exciting opportunities for PlusNet, our customers and our employees."

The directors of the company, having unanimously recommended the offer, have
provided irrevocable undertakings to accept BT's offer.

Inquiries about this news release should be made to the BT Group Newsroom on its
 24-hour number: 020 7356 5369. From outside the UK dial + 44 20 7356 5369. All
  news releases can be accessed at our web site: http://www.bt.com/newscentre


About BT

BT is one of the world's leading providers of communications solutions and
services operating in 170 countries. Its principal activities include networked
IT services, local, national and international telecommunications services, and
higher-value broadband and internet products and services. BT consists
principally of four lines of business: BT Global Services, Openreach, BT Retail
and BT Wholesale.

In the year ended 31 March 2006, BT Group plc's revenue was £19,514 million with
profit before taxation of £2,040 million.

British Telecommunications plc (BT) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BT Group and
encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group. BT Group plc is
listed on stock exchanges in London and New York.

For more information, visit www.bt.com/aboutbt



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