Filed by Barclays PLC Pursuant to
Rule 425 under the Securities Act of 1933 and
deemed filed pursuant to Rule 14d-2 under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Subject Companies:
Barclays PLC
(Commission File No. 1-09246)
Barclays Bank PLC
(Commission File No. 1-10257)
ABN AMRO Holding N.V.
(Commission File No. 1-14624)
ABN AMRO Bank N.V.
(Commission File No. 1-14624-05)
On March 19, 2007, Barclays PLC issued the following press release.
* * *
19th March 2007
BARCLAYS PLC
Barclays Confirms Exploratory Discussions With ABN AMRO
Further to its announcement this morning, Barclays PLC (‘Barclays’) confirms that it is in exclusive preliminary discussions with ABN AMRO Holding N.V. (‘ABN AMRO’) concerning a potential combination of the two organisations which will create value for both sets of shareholders. These discussions are the result of careful consideration to create a highly complementary partnership. The talks are at an early and exploratory stage and there can be no certainty that they will lead to a transaction.
A further announcement will be made in due course.
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Contacts at Barclays:
Investor Relations
Mark Merson/James S Johnson
Office: +44 (0)20 7116 5752/2927
Mobile: +44 (0)7770 748 771
Media Relations
Stephen Whitehead/Alistair Smith
Office: +44 (0)20 7116 6060/6132
Mobile: +44 (0)7880 783 532
Future SEC Filings and this Filing: Important Information
In the event that Barclays PLC and ABN AMRO Holding N.V. enter into a transaction, they may be required to file relevant materials with the SEC. Such documents, however, are not currently available. INVESTORS ARE URGED TO READ ANY DOCUMENTS REGARDING THE POTENTIAL TRANSACTION IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors will be able to obtain a free copy of such filings without charge, at the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov) once such documents are filed with the SEC. Copies of such documents may also be obtained from Barclays PLC and ABN AMRO Holding N.V., without charge, once they are filed with the SEC.
This filing shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.