Abbot Group Appoints New Director

Abbot Group plc has appointed Maurice White as a Director of its Board with immediate effect. As a result of the £134 million acquisition of Deutsche Tiefbohr-Aktiengesellschaft ('Deutag'), Maurice White has been appointed Chief Executive of the enlarged Drilling Division. He will have responsibility on the main board for the effectiveness of the Group's combined drilling activities which are based in Aberdeen and Bad Bentheim, Germany.

Maurice, age 49, was previously Managing Director of KCA Drilling Limited ('KCA') from August 1996. He originally joined KCA in 1977.

Alasdair Locke, Executive Chairman of Abbot, said: 'Maurice's appointment reflects his extensive experience in the drilling industry, he has been integral to the success of our expanded drilling operations and will, without doubt, successfully integrate the former KCA and Deutag businesses.'