Abbot Group PLC - Offer Update

RNS Number:9500D
Abbot Group PLC
02 June 2006

                                                                     2 June 2006

                                ABBOT GROUP PLC

                                 OFFER UPDATE

On 8 May 2006, Abbot Group plc, through its wholly owned subsidiary Abbot
Holdings Norge AS ('Abbot'), made a recommended offer for Songa Drilling. As at
3.00 p.m. on 1 June 2006, being the end of the Acceptance Period of the Offer,
valid acceptances of the Offer had been received for in excess of 90 per cent.
of Songa Drilling Shares.

As Abbot has acquired (pursuant to the Offer) Songa Drilling Shares carrying in
aggregate more than 75 per cent. of the voting rights, all of the conditions to
the Offer have either been satisfied or are hereby waived, save for the
Admission of the New Ordinary Shares. Accordingly, the Offer is declared
unconditional in all respects, save for Admission.

The consideration due to Songa Drilling Shareholders who have already accepted
the Offer will be despatched by 8 June 2006.

The Offer will be extended until 9 June 2006. Songa Drilling Shareholders who
have not yet accepted the Offer are reminded to complete and return their
Acceptance Form as soon as possible. The cash consideration due to Songa
Drilling Shareholders who accept the Offer during this Extended Acceptance
Period will be paid their consideration no later than 16 June 2006. The Partial
Share Alternative is now closed.

Abbot intends to procure the de-listing of the Songa Drilling Shares from the
OTC A-List, of the Norwegian Securities Dealers Association.

Definitions used in the Prospectus sent to Shareholders dated 8 May 2006 shall
have the same meanings when used in this announcement, unless the context
requires otherwise.


Enquiries:
Abbot                                                         +44 1224 299 600
Alasdair Locke
Peter Milne

JPMorgan Cazenove                                             +44 20 7588 2828
(Financial adviser and corporate broker to Abbot)
Malcolm Moir
Guy Marks

Tavistock Communications                                      +44 20 7920 3150
(Public relations adviser to Abbot)
Peter Willetts
Richard Sunderland


                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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