Interest in Monarch Development Corp'n Acquired

Taylor Woodrow PLC 22 May 2000 TAYLOR WOODROW PLC ACQUIRES MINORITY OF MONARCH DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Taylor Woodrow plc, the international developer, today announces that it has successfully completed its cash offer of C$11.25 per share for all of the outstanding common shares of Monarch not currently owned by Taylor Woodrow and its affiliates for a total consideration of approximately C$206 million (£88.8 million). At the offer's close a total of 18,126,383 shares had been tendered, representing approximately 99% of the common shares not already owned by Taylor Woodrow and its affiliates. Taylor Woodrow intends to acquire the balance of shares outstanding under the compulsory acquisition provisions of the Business Corporations Act (Ontario). Monarch is one of Canada's most prominent housebuilders, holding a significantly long-term land bank and a strong position in high rise condominium developments in and around Toronto. Taylor Woodrow Communities, Monarch's highly successful US joint venture with Taylor Woodrow, is a leading provider of high value, master planned communities in Florida and Texas. In addition, Monarch has a significant investment property portfolio in Canada. Headquartered in Toronto, Monarch had gross operating revenues in 1999 of C$523.3 million. Its 1999 pre-tax earnings were a record C$63.1 million, up 31.3% on the previous year. Net assets at 31 December 1999 totalled C$330.9 million. Keith Egerton, Chief Executive of Taylor Woodrow said 'We are delighted with the successful outcome of this acquisition. It fits superbly with our strategy to grow our core worldwide housing and property businesses. It is also favourably timed; we anticipate continued robust growth in Monarch's principal markets of high rise condominiums and master planned communities. 'Moreover, the acquisition, which will be immediately earnings- enhancing, will facilitate the streamlining of our North American housing operations into one efficient management structure. We will also step up the active management of Monarch's investment property portfolio.' Enquiries: Analysts David Green Tel: 00 44 (0)20 7629 1201 Media and other Nicholas Jones Tel: 00 44 (0)20 7629 1201
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