Rule 8.3 - THORNTONS

    FORM 8.3

DEALINGS BY PERSONS WHO OWN OR CONTROL 1% OR MORE OF ANY CLASS OF RELEVANT SECURITY
(Rule 8.3 of The City Code on Takeovers and Mergers)

Name of purchaser/vendor *                        BARCLAYS PLC
Company dealt in                                  THORNTONS
Relevant security dealt in                        ORD GBP 0. 10
If a connected EFM, name of offeree/offeror with
which connected
If a connected EFM, nature of connection #
Date of dealing                                   13 SEPTEMBER 2005

DEALINGS 
Amount bought                                     Price per unit (currency must be stated)


Amount sold                                       Price per unit (currency must be stated)
14,578                                            1.7250

Resultant total amount and percentage of the
same relevant security owned or controlled  2,558,443 (3.84%)      

IS A SUPPLEMENTAL FORM 8 (DERIVATIVE)/FORM 8 (OPTION) ATTACHED? NO

Date of disclosure  14 SEPTEMBER 2005
Contact name        BARCLAYS CORPORATE SECRETARIAT
Telephone number    020 7116 2913

* Specify the owner or controller in addition to the person dealing. The naming of nominees or vehicle companies is
insufficient.

In the case of disclosure of dealings by fund managers on behalf of discretionary clients, the clients need not be
named.

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

 If disclosing dealings/holdings in derivatives or options, please attach Supplemental Form 8 (Derivative) or
Supplemental Form 8 (Option), as appropriate.

For details of the Codes dealing disclosure requirements, see Rule 8 and its Notes which can be viewed on the Takeover
Panels website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.