Group overview

Dividend per share

The Board has agreed an interim dividend of 5.99 pence per share to be paid on 23 September 2008 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 15 August 2008. The interim dividend for 2007 was 5.70 pence per share.

The Board remains focused on delivering a growing dividend, which will continue to be determined after taking into account the Group's financial flexibility and opportunities to invest in areas of the business offering attractive returns. The Board believes that in the medium term a dividend cover of around two-times is appropriate.