Warning to Shareholders – Suspicious Phone Calls and Boiler Room Scams

Marston’s PLC has become aware that a small number of shareholders have recently received unsolicited telephone calls concerning their investment in the company. These calls are from overseas based organisations who offer to buy Marston’s shares for considerably more than the current market price. In some cases the caller has suggested that there is currently a takeover offer for Marston’s. There is no such offer and we suspect that the calls are bogus.

Shareholders are advised to be very wary of any unsolicited investment advice, offers to buy shares or offers of free company reports. These operations are commonly known as ‘boiler rooms’. Callers can be very persistent and extremely persuasive. We are aware that they attempt to persuade shareholders to provide email addresses or other personal information. Shareholders should not provide any such details.

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) provides the following guidance should you be contacted in this manner:

• obtain the name of the person calling and the organisation they represent;
• check that they are properly authorised by the Financial Services Authority by checking the FSA register of regulated firms here;
• call the organisation back to verify their identity using the telephone number listed for them on the FSA register. If you deal with an unauthorised firm you would not be eligible to receive payment under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme;
• report any suspicions to the FSA either by calling 0845 606 1234 or completing the online form here
• report the matter to the National Fraud Authority on 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk
• if the calls persist, hang up.

Please also inform our registrars, Equiniti, by calling 0871 384 2962.

STOP PRESS – We have also been informed that, following a ‘boiler room scam’ call, shareholders may also receive a call regarding a ‘Recovery Room Scam’ attempting to assist you with gaining compensation if you have lost money previously – BE WARNED, WE SUSPECT THIS IS ALSO A SCAM.

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

Anne-Marie Brennan

March 2012