Warning to Shareholders: Boiler Room Scams

We have been made aware of Marston’s PLC shareholders receiving unsolicited telephone calls from companies offering to buy Marston’s PLC shares at a substantial premium to the prevailing market price for a large shareholder intending to make a takeover bid.

These calls are usually from overseas companies targeting UK shareholders. These operations are commonly known as ‘boiler room scams’ and the ‘brokers’ can be extremely persuasive and persistent.

Shareholders are advised to be wary of any unsolicited investment advice or approach to buy or sell shares, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

If you receive an unsolicited investment approach you should:

• Confirm the name of the person calling and the organisation they represent;
• Check that they are registered with the Financial Services Authority (FSA) by calling 0845 606 1234 or by visiting www.fsa.gov.uk/register/ and contact the firm using the details on the register;
• Report the matter to the FSA by calling 0845 606 1234 or by visiting www.fsa.gov.uk/pages/consumerinformation
• Please note that if you deal with an unauthorised firm, you will not be eligible to receive payment under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
• Further information on this or similar activity can be found on the FSA website www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk

If you have any queries, please contact the Company Secretarial Department.

Anne-Marie Brennan