SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
Report of Foreign Private Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Report on Form 6-K for 25 January 2006
The BOC Group plc
Chertsey Road, Windlesham,
Surrey GU20 6HJ
England
(Name and address of registrant's principal executive office)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports
under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F X Form 40-F
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Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as
permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):
Yes: |_| No: |X|
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as
permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):
Yes: |_| No: |X|
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information
contained in this form is also thereby furnishing the information to the
Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes: |_| No: |X|
Enclosures:
Rule 2.10 announcement issued on 25 January 2006.
THE BOC GROUP plc ANNOUNCEMENT RELEASED TO A REGULATORY INFORMATION SERVICE
ON 25 JANUARY 2006
AT 07.42 HRS UNDER REF: PRNUK-2501060741-20A5
25 January 2006
The BOC Group plc
RULE 2.10 ANNOUNCEMENT
The BOC Group plc ("BOC") announces, in accordance with Rule 2.10 of the City
Code on Takeovers and Mergers, that as at the close of business on 24 January
2006 it had in issue 506,716,054 (including those represented by ADSs) ordinary
shares of 25 pence each ("BOC Shares").
The ISIN reference number for the BOC Shares is GB0001081206 and for the
American Depositary Shares of BOC is CUSIP055617609.
Each American Depositary Share of BOC represents two BOC Shares.
Contact:
The BOC Group plc
Christopher Marsay, Director Investor Relations 01276 477222
The Maitland Consultancy
Neil Bennett 0207 379 5151
Dealing Disclosure Requirements
Under the provisions of Rule 8.3 of the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the
"Code"), if any person is, or becomes, "interested" (directly or indirectly) in
1% or more of any class of "relevant securities" of The BOC Group plc all
"dealings" in any "relevant securities" of that company (including by means of
an option in respect of, or a derivative referenced to, any such "relevant
securities") must be publicly disclosed by no later than 3.30 pm (London time)
on the London business day following the date of the relevant transaction. This
requirement will continue until the date on which the offer becomes, or is
declared, unconditional as to acceptances, lapses or is otherwise withdrawn or
on which the "offer period" otherwise ends. If two or more persons act together
pursuant to an agreement or understanding, whether formal or informal, to
acquire an "interest" in "relevant securities" of The BOC Group plc, they will
be deemed to be a single person for the purpose of Rule 8.3.
Under the provisions of Rule 8.1 of the Code, all "dealings" in "relevant
securities" of The BOC Group plc by Linde AG, or by any of their respective
"associates", must be disclosed by no later than 12.00 noon (London time) on the
London business day following the date of the relevant transaction.
A disclosure table, giving details of the companies in whose "relevant
securities" "dealings" should be disclosed, and the number of such securities in
issue, can be found on the Takeover Panel's website at
www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.
"Interests in securities" arise, in summary, when a person has long economic
exposure, whether conditional or absolute, to changes in the price of
securities. In particular, a person will be treated as having an "interest" by
virtue of the ownership or control of securities, or by virtue of any option in
respect of, or derivative referenced to, securities.
Terms in quotation marks are defined in the Code, which can also be found on the
Panel's website. If you are in any doubt as to whether or not you are required
to disclose a "dealing" under Rule 8, you should consult the Panel.
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the registrant, The BOC Group plc, has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Date:25 January 2006
By: /s/ Carol Hunt
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Name: Carol Hunt
Title: Deputy Company Secretary