Update on demerger

GUS PLC 24 May 2006 Not for release, publication or distribution in or into the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan. 24 May 2006 GUS plc Further information on demerger As announced on 28 March 2006, the Board of GUS proposes, subject to shareholder approval, that ARG and Experian should be separated by means of a demerger with both businesses becoming independently listed on the London Stock Exchange. Today, we are updating investors further on the demerger process: Timing: We are aiming to complete the demerger in October 2006, subject to shareholder approval. Debt allocation: At 31 March 2006, GUS had net debt of £2.0bn. The Board of GUS believes that Experian, as an independent company, should have net debt of about £1.0bn after the proposed equity issue. This, it believes, would be consistent with a BBB+/Baa1 credit rating. ARG will be allocated net debt of about £200m, in addition to its substantial leasehold obligations. New share issue in Experian: Subject to any major changes in our financing requirements prior to the demerger, the Board now expects to raise about £800m through the issue of new shares in Experian. These shares will be offered to existing GUS shareholders and new investors, with new investors being offered a maximum of 5% of Experian's ordinary share capital. Dividend policy: The dividend policy of Experian and ARG is a matter for each Board following the demerger. However, at this stage, it is anticipated that Experian will have a cover of no less than three times and ARG a cover of no less than two times. Outstanding bonds: As announced on 22 May, we have proposed certain amendments to the terms and conditions of our outstanding bonds. Approval for these amendments is being sought from bondholders on 13 June. Tax rates: Subject to any changes in legislation, it is expected that the effective tax rate based on Benchmark PBT will be in the region of 30% for ARG and in the low twenties for Experian, reflecting its more international business mix. Reporting currency: Experian will report in US dollars post separation, given that the majority of its profit comes from the US. Nearly two-thirds of Experian's EBIT in 2006 was generated by Experian North America. Sector classification: As previously announced, it is expected that, following discussions with the FTSE, ARG will be classified in the General Retailers sector and Experian in the Support Services sector. We will continue to update the market accordingly as further decisions are made. Enquiries GUS John Peace Group Chief Executive 020 7495 0070 David Tyler Group Finance Director Fay Dodds Director of Investor Relations Finsbury Rupert Younger 020 7251 3801 Rollo Head This announcement is not an offer of securities for sale in any jurisdiction. Any shares to be issued in Experian have not been and will not be registered under the US Securities Act of 1933 (the 'Securities Act') and may not be offered or sold within the United States absent registration under the Securities Act or an exemption from registration. No public offering of such shares will be made in the United States. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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