Queen's award for enterprise

Abbot Group PLC
21 April 2005


21 April 2005

Abbot wins Queen's Award for Enterprise 2005 for International Trade
Alasdair Locke, Executive Chairman of Abbot Group plc, commented: "I am
delighted that we have won this Award as it confirms the success of our strategy
of diversifying our resources away from the North Sea into international
markets. While we are the largest offshore drilling contractor in the UK sector
of the North Sea, and are committed to maintaining this position, through
judicious investment and acquisitions in international markets, the contribution
of North Sea revenues now represents less than 30% of total Group turnover,
compared to 65% four years ago.

In the last few years we have invested over #250 million in international
expansion so that today the Group is one of the largest international land
drilling operators outside the Americas and a world leader in drilling rig
design, construction and operation.

We have concentrated our investments into those geographical areas where we see
opportunities for profitable growth. In particular, the Caspian Region, where we
are the dominant offshore drilling contractor, North Africa, where Abbot is the
largest western-owned drilling contractor in Libya, the Middle East, Russia,
Nigeria and Europe.

In addition, we are one of the world's largest engineering companies for
offshore platform drilling rigs and have recently won major engineering
contracts in Germany, Russia and Angola.

Finally, I would like to thank all those at Abbot who have contributed to the
achievement of this Award."

For further information:

Peter Willetts
Richard Sunderland
Tavistock Communications
Tel: [phone]
www.abbotgroup.com
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Notes to Editors

The Queen's Award for International Trade is valid for 5 years, and recognises
outstanding achievement in overseas earnings by UK based businesses, and the
vital contribution these businesses make to the sustainable growth of the UK
economy.



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

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