24 Sep 2010 07:00
2010/20
RECKITT BENCKISER GROUP PLC
("reckitt benckiser")
ssl international plc
("ssl")
OFFER TIMETABLE EXTENDED
Rule 31.9 of the Code requires that all material new information should ordinarily be published by an offeree company by the 39th day following the posting of the offer document. Therefore, the last day for publication by SSL of material new information in the context of the offer by Reckitt Benckiser (the "Offer") would be 26 September. Reckitt Benckiser filed the notification required by Council Regulation (EC) 139/2004 (the "Merger Regulation") on 6 September. Under the European Commission's procedures, a decision as to whether or not it will initiate proceedings under Article 6(1)(c) of the Merger Regulation might not be announced (the "Announcement") until 25 October.
In these circumstances, the Executive has ruled that "Day 39" will be deemed to be the second day after the Announcement.
"Day 46" (the last date for posting a revised offer) and "Day 60" (the date by which an offer must become unconditional as to acceptances) will also be extended accordingly. The next closing date of the Offer, currently 7 October, will not be affected by this extension.
Each of the parties has accepted the Executive's ruling.
24 September 2010