Press releases 2006

NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO CANADA OR JAPAN

31 January 2006

The Board of London Stock Exchange plc notes today's announcement by Macquarie that it is extending the deadline for its offer of 580 pence per share in cash. Macquarie has received valid acceptances in respect of only 0.4 per cent of the Exchange’s shares.

The Board remains confident of delivering an excellent outcome for the current financial year and continued strong trading should keep the Exchange on course to deliver a very strong performance in financial year 2007. The Board continues to recommend strongly that shareholders reject Macquarie’s offer.

For further information:

London Stock Exchange
John Wallace – Media 020 7797 1222
Paul Froud – Investor Relations 020 7797 3322

Finsbury
James Murgatroyd 020 7251 3801
Simon Moyse 020 7251 3801

The Directors of the London Stock Exchange accept responsibility for the information contained in this announcement. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the Directors of the London Stock Exchange (who have taken all reasonable care to ensure that such is the case), the information contained in this announcement for which they accept responsibility is in accordance with the facts and does not omit anything likely to affect the import of such information.

Merrill Lynch International, which is regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Services Authority, is acting exclusively for the London Stock Exchange and no one else in connection with the Offer and will not be responsible to anyone other than the London Stock Exchange for providing the protections afforded to clients of Merrill Lynch International nor for providing advice in relation to the Offer.
Lehman Brothers Europe Limited, which is regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Services Authority, is acting exclusively for the London Stock Exchange and no one else in connection with the Offer and will not be responsible to anyone other than the London Stock Exchange for providing the protections afforded to clients of Lehman Brothers Europe Limited nor for providing advice in relation to the Offer.