Shareholder warning — boiler room scams

Important Shareholder News

We have been alerted by some of our shareholders to cold calls which they have recently received. The callers purport to represent various entities, including Drexel-Bearns, a US based firm. We believe these are boiler room scams.

These types of calls are typically from overseas based ‘brokers’ who target UK shareholders. These operations are commonly known as ‘boiler rooms’. These ‘brokers’ can be very persistent and extremely persuasive. Shareholders are advised to be very wary of any unsolicited advice, offers to buy shares at a discount or offers of free company reports. If you receive any unsolicited investment advice:

• Make sure you get the correct name of the person and organisation
• Check that they are properly authorised by the FSA before getting involved by visitingwww.fsa.gov.uk/register/ and contacting the firm using the details on the register
• Report the matter to the FSA either by calling 0845 606 1234 or visitingwww.fsa.gov.uk/pages/consumerinformation
• If the calls persist, hang up.

In the event that you receive such a call we strongly recommend that you consult your stockbroker, bank manager, solicitor, accountant or other professional adviser authorised under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 as soon as possible. Please report such activity to the Financial Services Authority by visiting their website and using the online unauthorised firms reporting form.

For further guidance please read the FSA guidance on boiler room scams.