Investor Relations Professionals Welcome ECB Rethink on T2S

LONDON, April 14, 2010 - The Investor Relations Society today welcomed the ECB's announcement that
it would be delaying the introduction of the "T2S" project to streamline
securities settlement systems across Europe.

Commenting on the announcement, Richard Davies, Chairman of the Investor
Relations Society said:

"Transparency in trading is a key tenant of the Society and this proposal
from the ECB could potentially have reduced the ability of UK companies to
identify their shareholders. We believe that there is much more to do to make
this a welcome proposition. We shall monitor progress carefully on behalf of
our members."

Notes for editors.

The Investor Relations Society represents members working for public
companies and consultancies to assist them in the development of effective
two way communication with the markets and to create a level playing field
for all investors. It has nearly 600 members drawn both from the UK and
overseas, including the majority of the FTSE 100 and much of the FTSE 250.

    Investor Relations Society contacts:

    Michael Mitchell - General Manager +44(0)20-7379-1763
    Richard Davies, Chairman, +44(0)20-7492-0501

Investor Relations Society contacts: Michael Mitchell - General Manager +44(0)20-7379-1763, Richard Davies, Chairman, +44(0)20-7492-0501.