RNS Number:4145S
First Active PLC
24 November 2003



 NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN, INTO OR
               FROM THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, CANADA OR JAPAN



                                  First Active plc





First Active notes the recent press comment on the competition approval process
for the proposed acquisition of First Active by The Royal Bank of Scotland
Group, through its subsidiary Ulster Bank Limited.



Obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals is a normal part of an acquisition
and this process is proceeding in relation to this transaction.  The Competition
Directorate General of the European Commission is considering the proposed
transaction, having been formally notified on 3rd November.  The Irish
Competition Authority is part of that process.



While not in the position to comment on the process, the Independent Directors
of First Active would like to reiterate their view that this is a very good deal
for customers, shareholders and employees.





24 November 2003



Enquiries:

JPMorgan
Alexander Justham                 + 44 (0)20 7742 4000

Gibney Communications
Ita Gibney                        + 353 (0)1 661 0402







The directors of First Active accept responsibility for the information
contained in this announcement other than the opinions of the Independent
Directors of First Active.   The Independent Directors accept responsibility for
the opinions of the Independent Directors contained in this announcement.



To the best of the knowledge and belief of the directors of First Active and the
Independent Directors (who have taken all reasonable care to ensure that such is
the case), the information contained in this announcement for which they accept
responsibility is in accordance with the facts and does not omit anything likely
to affect the import of such information.





This announcement has been issued through the Companies Announcement Service of

                           the Irish Stock Exchange.










                      This information is provided by RNS
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