Results of AGM & Name Change

RNS Number:4222Q
British Biotech PLC
01 October 2003



                                                                  1 October 2003


                      BRITISH BIOTECH PLC (THE "COMPANY")
                     
           RESULTS OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND CHANGE OF NAME

British Biotech plc announces that all the resolutions tabled at the Annual
General Meeting held today, 1 October 2003, including the resolution to change
the name of the Company to Vernalis plc, were passed. The resolutions relating
to special business have been sent to the UK Listing Authority and are available
to the public for inspection at the Document Viewing Facility in accordance with
the Listing Rules. From today, the Company will be called Vernalis plc.

Vernalis plc ordinary shares will, until on or about 22 October 2003, trade on
the London Stock Exchange under the ticker "BBG" and its American Depository
Shares will trade on the NASDAQ National Market under the ticker "BBIOY".

Vernalis Group plc will continue to trade under the ticker "VER" until the
cancellation of its listing on the London Stock Exchange becomes effective on or
about 22 October 2003.  At this date, Vernalis plc, the post merger company,
will adopt the "VER" ticker on the London Stock Exchange.  The Company will
adopt the ticker "VNLS" in respect of its American Depository Shares in due
course.


Enquiries:

British Biotech plc 
[phone] (on 1/10/03) / [phone] (thereafter)
Simon Sturge, Chief Executive Officer
Tony Weir, Chief Financial Officer


Brunswick Group [phone]
Jon Coles




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