Fresh interest in Northern Rock

This possible new investment opportunty is said to cover a range of options for the business, one of which does contemplate an offer for the Company materially below the market price at the close of business on Tuesday 20 November.

The Company's advisors have now begun discussions with a number of selected interested parties to clarify their proposals - with a view to progressing the process as quickly as possible.

Northern Rock's strategic review is hoped to be completed by February 2008, although the Company expects to make an announcement of the preferred outcome for the Company and its stakeholders in advance of that.

The bank has reiterated to its stakeholders that there is no certainty this will actually lead to an investment in or offer for the Company or for all or any part of its business.