Disposal

RNS Number:7272S
AEA Technology PLC
02 December 2003



2 December 2003

                               AEA TECHNOLOGY PLC


AEA Technology plc (AEA) announces today the disposal of its Nuclear Science
business at Windscale to British Nuclear Fuels plc (BNFL) for a consideration of
#9.7 million in cash, subject to completion accounts adjustments for the change
in net assets since 31 January 2003 (the Disposal). AEA will also pay BNFL the
sum of #4.4 million over four years to process and dispose of the wastes
associated with the business. The net proceeds (after transaction costs and
pension payments) will be utilised to reduce the Group's net borrowings.

Background to and Reasons for the Disposal

The Disposal forms part of AEA's strategy to exit from the nuclear industry in
the UK in order to focus on its core businesses of Rail and Environment. In June
2001 the Company sold its Nuclear Engineering business to NUKEM Nuclear Ltd and
in September 2001 sold its Nuclear Consulting business to Serco Ltd.

The Company is also on track to close its nuclear services operations in B220 in
Harwell by end of March 2004.

The Nuclear Science business at Windscale recorded profits of #1.6 million with
a turnover of #14.7 million in the year to 31 March 2003 and had net assets of
#8.4 million. It employs 153 people at Windscale and 15 people at Harwell.

The business provides scientific and consultancy services to support the nuclear
operations of its customers, principally associated with the nuclear fuel cycle.

AEA's Chairman, Peter Watson, said:

"The sale today of the Nuclear Science business concludes a successful programme
of disposals which has underpinned the strategic re-focusing of the company on
two core businesses - Rail and Environment and our development businesses. The
disposal also essentially completes our exit from the UK nuclear industry."



For further information contact:

Mark Herbert       07770 381 608

Catherine Lees     0207 861 3877


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

END
DISGLBDDSDGGGXD