Offer Talks Terminated

21 Dec 2007 16:28

Carpetright PLC21 December 2007 Carpetright plc ("Carpetright" or the "Company") Offer talks terminated The Independent Committee of the Board of Carpetright (the "IndependentCommittee") notes the announcement by the consortium headed by Lord Harris andother members of the senior management team (the "Consortium") of its decisionnot to proceed with an offer for Carpetright. Accordingly, the Independent Committee announces that all discussions regardinga possible offer for Carpetright have now ceased and no offer is expected to beforthcoming. The Independent Committee welcomes the renewed commitment by Lord Harris and thesenior management team to focus on the continued growth of Carpetright for thebenefit of all shareholders. The management team retains a significant stake inthe Company and has acted throughout the offer process in a professional andopen manner. Carpetright's strategy and growth plans are unaffected by today'sannouncement. Interim dividend As set out in the interim results announcement released on 11 December 2007, inthe absence of a formal recommended offer being made by the Consortium, theBoard of Carpetright intended to declare an interim dividend of 20.0 pence pershare in respect of the 26 weeks to 27 October 2007. However, in light of the positive start to the second half of the year, theBoard has decided to declare an interim dividend of 22.0 pence per share (2006:20.0 pence). As set out in the interim results announcement, the interimdividend will be paid on 22 February 2008 to shareholders on the register on 8February 2008. Enquiries:Citigate Dewe Rogerson 020 7638 9571Kevin SmithFiona Mulcahy This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange