14 September 2010 Hartest Holdings Plc Proposed cancellation from AIM Close of Offer Close of Offer

The Board notes the announcement made earlier today by Elektron plc ("Elektron") that the offer, by Elektron for the shares of Hartest (the "Offer"), has closed.

Elektron further announced that as at 1pm on 14 September 2010, Elektron is the beneficial owner, or has received valid acceptances from Hartest Shareholders, in respect of a total of 8,486,590 Hartest Shares, representing approximately 95.94 per cent. of the issued ordinary share capital of Hartest.

Elektron also announced that having received valid acceptances in respect of more than 90 per cent. in nominal value of the Hartest shares to which the Offer relates, Elektron has resolved to exercise its rights pursuant to the provisions of Part 28 of the Companies Act 2006 to compulsorily acquire all remaining Hartest shares in respect of which acceptances have not been received prior to closing of the Offer (the "Compulsory Acquisition Procedure"). Elektron has stated that it will announce the commencement of the compulsory acquisition procedure in due course.

The price offered under the Compulsory Acquisition Procedure will be 90 pence per ordinary Hartest share.

Cancellation of Admission to Trading on AIM

In relation to the above, and at the request of Elektron, Hartest is applying to the London Stock Exchange for the cancellation of admission to trading of Hartest Shares on AIM ("Cancellation").

The London Stock Exchange has agreed that shareholder consent in general meeting of Hartest, which would otherwise be required pursuant to AIM Rule 41, will not be required as the proposed Cancellation is pursuant to the takeover by Elektron of Hartest which has been declared wholly-unconditional and furthermore that Elektron is the beneficial owner, or has received valid acceptances, in respect of more than 75 per cent. of the issued share capital of Hartest.

Cancellation of the AIM quote is expected to be effective from 7.00am on 14 October 2010.

Following the Cancellation Elektron intends to re-register Hartest as a private company under the relevant provisions of the Companies Act 2006 to enable Hartest, inter alia, to provide security for the enlarged group's borrowings.

Pending the commencement of the Compulsory Acquisition Procedure, the Cancellation and the re-registration of Hartest as a private company would significantly reduce the liquidity and marketability of any Hartest shares that have not accepted the Offer. Following the Cancellation, there will be no future market for a Hartest shareholder to realise their investment in Hartest. Shareholders are still able to be buy and sell Hartest shares prior to the Cancellation and Compulsory Acquisition Procedure.

Enquiries: Hartest Holdings plc Geoff Spink, Chief Executive 01252 749 530 Westhouse Securities Tim Metcalfe / Martin Davison 020 7601 6100 Hansard Communications Justine James / Kirsty Corcoran 020 7245 1100