Investors

Share Scam Alert

In recent years, many companies, including BTG, have become aware that their shareholders have received unsolicited phone calls or correspondence concerning investment matters. These are typically from overseas based 'brokers' who target UK shareholders, offering to sell them what often turn out to be worthless or high risk shares in US or UK investments. These operations are commonly known as 'boiler rooms'. These 'brokers' can be very persistent and extremely persuasive, and a 2006 survey by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) reported that the average amount lost by investors is around £20,000.

A number of our shareholders have recently been approached by these overseas based 'brokers', offering to buy their shares in BTG, often at a price significantly in excess of the current market value.  Again, you should be very careful before dealing with these organisations or providing them with personal information (such as your bank details) as, should you agree to let them sell your shares, there is a risk that you may not receive any sale proceeds or suffer other losses.

It is not just the novice investor that has been duped in this way; many of the victims had been successfully investing for several years. Shareholders are advised to be very wary of any unsolicited advice, offers to buy shares at a discount or offers of free company reports. If you receive any unsolicited investment advice:

• Make sure you get the correct name of the person and organisation
• Check that they are properly authorised by the FSA before getting involved by visiting www.fsa.gov.uk/register/ and contacting the firm using the details on the register
• Report the matter to the FSA either by calling 0845 606 1234 or visiting www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk
• If the calls persist, hang up.

If you deal with an unauthorised firm, you will not be eligible to receive payment under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. The FSA can be contacted by completing an online form at www.fsa.gov.uk/pages/doing/regulated/law/alerts/overseas.shtml

Details of any share dealing facilities that the company endorses will be included in company mailings.

BTG is not providing investment advice and if you are in any doubt as to what action you should take, you are recommended to seek your own personal independent financial advice immediately from your stockbroker, bank manager, solicitor, accountant or other independent financial advisor authorised by the FSA. If you are unsure of the identity of a broker who has approached you, we suggest that you speak to the FSA.

More detailed information on this or similar activity can be found on the CFEB website www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk