Whitbread:Declares Coffeeheaven Offer Final, Extends To Feb 18

Whitbread PLC (WTB.LN) said Tuesday that said Tuesday that at 1300 GMT on Feb. 9, being the Second Closing Date of the Offer, Costa had received valid acceptances from coffeeheaven Shareholders in respect of 82,270,858 coffeeheaven Shares representing 61.63% of the existing issued share capital of coffeeheaven.

MAIN FACTS:

-These acceptances include acceptances received in respect of 21,587,591 coffeeheaven Shares, representing 16.17% of the existing issued share capital of coffeeheaven) which were subject to irrevocable commitments procured by Costa from all of the coffeeheaven Directors and certain other shareholders.

-Costa announces that the Offer at 24 pence per coffeeheaven Share is final and will not be increased except that Costa reserves the right to set this statement aside and to increase the Offer if a competitive situation arises or otherwise with the consent of the Panel.

-Costa further announces that the Offer, which remains subject to the terms and conditions set out in the Offer Document, is being extended and will remain open for acceptance until 1300 GMT on Feb. 18.

-Any further extensions of the Offer will be publicly announced by 0800 GMT on the business day following the day on which the Offer is otherwise due to expire, or such later time or date as the Panel may agree.

 
-By London Bureau, Dow Jones Newswires; Contact Ian Walker; [phone]; [e-mail]