Full text of statement from DCC

The following is the full text of the statement issued by DCC to the stock exchange yesterday:

DCC Plc has recently become aware of speculation that an investigation is taking place into alleged insider dealing in connection with the disposal in February 2000 by the DCC Group of shares in Fyffes Plc.

DCC received one written enquiry on September 1st, 2000 from the Irish Stock Exchange in relation to its disposal of Fyffes shares, which was responded to in writing on September 8th, 2000. Since that date neither DCC nor any of its officers has been contacted by any relevant authority in this matter.

It had been the strategy of the DCC Group for several years to realise its investment in Fyffes. Unsolicited bids from stockbrokers in February 2000 allowed that strategy to be implemented.

The board of DCC is completely satisfied that none of its officers was in possession of price sensitive information on Fyffes at the time of the disposal and believes that any investigation into the disposal of its shares in Fyffes will confirm the absolute propriety of the group's disposal.