EPT Disclosure

RNS Number:1542S
Numis Securities Limited
04 October 2005

                                                                       FORM 38.5



                 DEALINGS BY CONNECTED EXEMPT PRINCIPAL TRADERS

             (Rule 38.5 of The City Code on Takeovers and Mergers)




Name of exempt principal trader                         Numis Securities Limited

Company dealt in                                        Thorntons Plc



Relevant security dealt in                              Ordinary Shares 10p


Name of offeree/offeror with whom connected             Thorntons Plc



Nature of connection #                                  Broker to the Offeree


Date of dealing                                         3 October 2005








Total number of securities bought                       16,416




Highest price paid (currency must be stated)            175 Pence




Lowest price paid (currency must be stated)             175 Pence








Total number of securities sold                         NIL




Highest price paid (currency must be stated)            NIL




Lowest price paid (currency must be stated)             NIL










Date of disclosure                                      4 October 2005


Contact name                                            Henry Jenkins


Telephone number                                        0207 776 1584







#  See the definition of "connected fund managers and principal traders" in the
Definitions Section of the Code.



For details of the Code's dealing disclosure requirements, see Rules 8 and 38.5
and their Notes which can be viewed on the Takeover Panel's website at
www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.




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