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 the month of November 2004
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
----- -----
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:
1. A notification dated 8 November 2004 advising that FMR Corp and
Fidelity Investments Limited no longer have a notifiable interest in
the issued Ordinary Share Capital of the Company.
Page 1 of 30
2. A notification dated 12 November 2004 advising that The BOC Group plc
will be announcing its Preliminary Results on Thursday 18 November
2004.
3. A notification dated 12 November 2004 advising of the lapse of an
option over 301 Ordinary shares under the Company's Australian Savings
Related Share Option Scheme and the grant of an option over 1,879
Ordinary shares under the Company's Australian Savings Related Share
Option Scheme by J A Bevan, a director of the Company.
4. A notification dated 18 November 2004 to advise that a copy of the
Preliminary Results for the year ended 30 September 2004, were
available at the UKLA Document Viewing Facility.
5. A notification dated 22 November 2004 advising details of the grant of
options to K Rajagopal, a director of the Company, under The BOC Group
plc Long Term Incentive Plan.
6. A notification dated 22 November 2004 advising details of the grant of
options to R Medori, a director of the Company, under The BOC Group
plc Long Term Incentive Plan.
7. A notification dated 22 November 2004 advising details of the grant of
options to J L Walsh, a director of the Company, under The BOC Group
plc Long Term Incentive Plan.
8. A notification dated 22 November 2004 advising details of the grant of
options to J A Bevan, a director of the Company, under The BOC Group
plc Long Term Incentive Plan.
9. A notification dated 22 November 2004 advising details of the grant of
options to A E Isaac, a director of the Company, under The BOC Group
plc Long Term Incentive Plan.
10. A notification dated 24 November 2004 advising the sale by Ogier
Trustee Limited, as trustee of The BOC Group plc Employee Share Trust
(1995) of a total of 15,000 Ordinary shares in the Company in which
the directors have a technical interest.
11. A notification dated 26 November 2004 advising of the purchase by
Ogier Trustee Limited, as trustee of The BOC Group plc Employee Share
Trust (1995) of a total of 750,000 Ordinary shares in the Company in
which the directors have a technical interest.
12. A notification dated 29 November 2004 advising of the exercise of an
option over 50,000 Ordinary shares under the Executive Share Option
Scheme by A E Isaac, a director of the Company and subsequent transfer
of 50,000 Ordinary shares to Mrs J Isaac and sale of 50,000 Ordinary
shares by Mrs J Isaac, the director's wife.
13. A notification dated 30 November 2004 advising a revision to the terms
of the disposal of Afrox Healthcare by African Oxygen Limited.
Page 2 of 30
THE BOC GROUP plc ANNOUNCEMENT RELEASED TO A REGULATORY INFORMATION SERVICE
ON 8 NOVEMBER 2004
AT 15.14 HRS UNDER REF: PRNUK-0811041513-1FEB
SCHEDULE 10
NOTIFICATION OF MAJOR INTERESTS IN SHARES
All relevant boxes should be completed in block capital letters.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Name of company 2. Name of shareholder having a major interest
The BOC Group plc FMR Corp and Fidelity International Limited
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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3. Please state whether notification indicates that 4. Name of the registered holder(s) and, if more than one
it is in respect of holding of the shareholder holder, the number of shares held by each of them
named in 2 above or in respect of a
non-beneficial interest or in the case of an
individual holder if it is a holding of that See additional information
person's spouse or children under the age of 18
Notification in respect of party named in 2 above.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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5. Number of 6. Percentage of issued 7. Number of shares/amount 8. Percentage of issued class
shares/amount of class of stock disposed
stock acquired
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9. Class of security 10. Date of transaction 11. Date company informed
Ordinary shares of 25p each 5 November 2004 8 November 2004
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12. Total holding following this notification 13. Total percentage holding of issued class following this
notification
14,370,027 2.88%
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14. Any additional information 15. Name of contact and telephone number for queries
The BOC Group plc had previously been advised Sarah Larkins
that pursuant to s198 of the Companies Act, FMR Assistant Company Secretary
Corp and Fidelity Investments Limited had an 01276 807383
interest of 3.18% in the issued Ordinary shares
of the Company.
In a letter dated 5 November 2004 The BOC Group
plc has been notified that FMR Corp and Fidelity
Investments Limited no longer have a notifiable
interest in the issued Ordinary share capital of
the Company, such interest now being 2.88%.
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Page 3 of 30
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16. Name and signature of authorised company official responsible for making this notification
Sarah Larkins
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date of notification ___8 November 2004_________
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BOC GROUP plc ANNOUNCEMENT RELEASED TO A REGULATORY
INFORMATION SERVICE ON 12 NOVEMBER 2004
AT 10.30 HRS UNDER REF: PRNUK-1211041029-62F6
12 November 2004
The BOC Group plc - Preliminary Results
The BOC Group plc will be announcing its results for the year ended 30 September
2004 on Thursday 18 November 2004.
Contact: Christopher Marsay, Director - Investor Relations
The BOC Group, Windlesham, UK
Telephone 01276 477222 (International +44 1276 477222)
Page 5 of 30
THE BOC GROUP plc ANNOUNCEMENT RELEASED TO A REGULATORY INFORMATION SERVICE
ON 12 NOVEMBER 2004
AT 11.07 HRS UNDER REF: PRNUK-1211041106-E3CD
SCHEDULE 11
NOTIFICATION OF INTERESTS OF DIRECTORS AND CONNECTED PERSONS
All relevant boxes should be completed in block capital letters.
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
1. Name of company 2. Name of director
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
THE BOC GROUP plc JOHN ANDREW BEVAN
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
3. Please state whether notification indicates 4. Name of the registered holder(s) and, if
that it is in respect of holding of the more than one holder, the number of shares
shareholder named in 2 above or in respect held by each of them (if notified)
of a non-beneficial interest or in the case
of an individual holder if it is a holding
of that person's spouse or children under
the age of 18 or in respect of a
non-beneficial interest
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
AS IN 2 ABOVE JOHN ANDREW BEVAN
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
5. Please state whether notification relates to 6. Please state the nature of the transaction.
a person(s) connected with the director For PEP transactions please indicate whether
named in 2 above and identify the connected general/single co PEP and if
person(s) discretionary/non discretionary
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
N/A LAPSE AND GRANT OF AUSTRALIAN SAYE OPTIONS
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
------- -------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- -------------------- ----- ------------------
7. Number of 8. Percentage of 9. Number of 10. Percentage of
shares/amount of issued class shares/amount of issued class
stock acquired stock disposed
------- -------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- -------------------- ----- ------------------
301 OPTIONS Less than 0.01%
------- -------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- -------------------- ----- ------------------
-------- ------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- ------------------- ------ ------------------
11. Class of security 12. Price per share 13. Date of 14. Date company
transaction informed
-------- ------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- ------------------- ------ ------------------
Page 6 of 30
-------- ------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- ------------------- ------ ------------------
ORDINARY SHARES 8.70P 13 JANUARY 2004 11 NOVEMBER 2004
OF 25P EACH
-------- ------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- ------------------- ------ ------------------
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
15. Total holding following this notification 16. Total percentage holding of issued class
following this notification
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
17,108 SHARES 0.08%
400,718 OPTIONS
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
If a director has been granted options by the company please complete the following boxes.
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
17. Date of grant 18. Period during which or date on which
options exercisable
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
1 APRIL 2004 1 MAY 2009
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
19. Total amount paid (if any) for grant of the 20. Description of shares or debentures
option involved: class, number
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
1,879 OPTIONS OVER ORDINARY SHARES OF 25P
EACH
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
21. Exercise price (if fixed at time of grant) 22. Total number of shares or debentures over
or indication that price is to be fixed at which options held following this
time of exercise notification
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
7.95P PER SHARE 17,108 SHARES
402,597 OPTIONS
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
23. Any additional information 24. Name of contact and telephone number for
queries
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
KAREN WESTON 01276 807388
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
-------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
25. Name and signature of authorised company official responsible for making this notification
KAREN WESTON, COMPANY SECRETARIAL ADMINISTRATOR
Date of notification 12 NOVEMBER 2004
-------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 7 of 30
The BOC Group plc Announcement released to a Regulatory Information
Service at 11.10hrs on 18
November 2004 under ref no PRNUK-1811041110-35BD
18 November 2004
THE BOC GROUP plc - NEWS RELEASE ON THE PRELIMINARY RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED
30 SEPTEMBER 2004
A copy of the above document has been submitted to the UK Listing Authority and
will shortly be available for inspection at the UK Listing Authority's Document
Viewing Facility which, is situated at:
Financial Services Authority
25 The North Colonnade
Canary Wharf
London
E14 5HS
Tel.no. (0)20 7676 1000
Page 8 of 30
THE BOC GROUP plc ANNOUNCEMENT RELEASED TO A REGULATORY INFORMATION SERVICE
ON 22 NOVEMBER 2004
AT 17.34 HRS UNDER REF: PRNUK-2211041733-5EB0
SCHEDULE 11
NOTIFICATION OF INTERESTS OF DIRECTORS AND CONNECTED PERSONS
All relevant boxes should be completed in block capital letters.
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
1. Name of company 2. Name of director
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
THE BOC GROUP PLC KRISHNAMURTHY RAJAGOPAL
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
3. Please state whether notification indicates 4. Name of the registered holder(s) and, if
that it is in respect of holding of the more than one holder, the number of shares
shareholder named in 2 above or in respect held by each of them (if notified)
of a non-beneficial interest or in the case
of an individual holder if it is a holding
of that person's spouse or children under
the age of 18 or in respect of a
non-beneficial interest
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
IN RESPECT OF A HOLDING OF THE DIRECTOR IN 2 KRISHNAMURTHY RAJAGOPAL
ABOVE
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
5. Please state whether notification relates to 6. Please state the nature of the transaction.
a person(s) connected with the director For PEP transactions please indicate whether
named in 2 above and identify the connected general/single co PEP and if
person(s) discretionary/non discretionary
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
N/A LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN GRANT
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
------- -------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- -------------------- ----- ------------------
7. Number of 8. Percentage of 9. Number of 10. Percentage of
shares/amount of issued class shares/amount of issued class
stock acquired stock disposed
------- -------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- -------------------- ----- ------------------
N/A N/A N/A N/A
------- -------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- -------------------- ----- ------------------
-------- ------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- ------------------- ------ ------------------
11. Class of security 12. Price per share 13. Date of 14. Date company
transaction informed
-------- ------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- ------------------- ------ ------------------
ORDINARY SHARES N/A 19 NOVEMBER 2004 22 NOVEMBER 2004
OF 25P EACH
-------- ------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- ------------------- ------ ------------------
Page 9 of 30
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
15. Total holding following this notification 16. Total percentage holding of issued class
following this notification
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
N/A N/A
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
If a director has been granted options by the company please complete the following boxes.
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
17. Date of grant 18. Period during which or date on which
options exercisable
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
19 NOVEMBER 2004 19 NOVEMBER 2007 SUBJECT TO PERFORMANCE
CONDITIONS
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
19. Total amount paid (if any) for grant of the 20. Description of shares or debentures
option involved: class, number
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
N/A 57,563 ORDINARY SHARES OF 25P EACH GRANTED
UNDER THE BOC GROUP LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
21. Exercise price (if fixed at time of grant) 22. Total number of shares or debentures over
or indication that price is to be fixed at which options held following this
time of exercise notification
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
OPTIONS GRANTED AT NIL COST 709,760
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
23. Any additional information 24. Name of contact and telephone number for
queries
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
The options, granted under The BOC Group KAREN WESTON
Long Term Incentive Plan may be satisfied 01276 807388
by a new issue of shares to the director or
by a transfer of shares from The BOC Group
plc Employee Share Trust (1995). The Trust
has the right to subscribe the number of
shares required to satisfy the option.
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
Page 10 of 30
-------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
25. Name and signature of authorised company official responsible for making this notification
KAREN WESTON, COMPANY SECRETARIAL ADMINISTRATOR
Date of notification: 22 NOVEMBER 2004
-------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 11 of 30
THE BOC GROUP plc ANNOUNCEMENT RELEASED TO A REGULATORY INFORMATION SERVICE
ON 22 NOVEMBER 2004
AT 17.32 HRS UNDER REF: PRNUK-2211041731-221D
SCHEDULE 11
NOTIFICATION OF INTERESTS OF DIRECTORS AND CONNECTED PERSONS
All relevant boxes should be completed in block capital letters.
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
1. Name of company 2. Name of director
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
THE BOC GROUP PLC RENE MEDORI
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
3. Please state whether notification indicates 4. Name of the registered holder(s) and, if
that it is in respect of holding of the more than one holder, the number of shares
shareholder named in 2 above or in respect held by each of them (if notified)
of a non-beneficial interest or in the case
of an individual holder if it is a holding
of that person's spouse or children under
the age of 18 or in respect of a
non-beneficial interest
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
IN RESPECT OF A HOLDING OF THE DIRECTOR IN 2 RENE MEDORI
ABOVE
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
5. Please state whether notification relates to 6. Please state the nature of the transaction.
a person(s) connected with the director For PEP transactions please indicate whether
named in 2 above and identify the connected general/single co PEP and if
person(s) discretionary/non discretionary
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
N/A LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN GRANT
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
------- -------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- -------------------- ----- ------------------
7. Number of 8. Percentage of 9. Number of 10. Percentage of
shares/amount of issued class shares/amount of issued class
stock acquired stock disposed
------- -------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- -------------------- ----- ------------------
N/A N/A N/A N/A
------- -------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- -------------------- ----- ------------------
Page 12 of 30
-------- ------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- ------------------- ------ ------------------
11. Class of security 12. Price per share 13. Date of 14. Date company
transaction informed
-------- ------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- ------------------- ------ ------------------
ORDINARY SHARES N/A 19 NOVEMBER 2004 22 NOVEMBER 2004
OF 25P EACH
-------- ------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- ------------------- ------ ------------------
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
15. Total holding following this notification 16. Total percentage holding of issued class
following this notification
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
N/A N/A
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
If a director has been granted options by the company please complete the following boxes.
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
17. Date of grant 18. Period during which or date on which
options exercisable
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
19 NOVEMBER 2004 19 NOVEMBER 2007 SUBJECT TO PERFORMANCE
CONDITIONS
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
19. Total amount paid (if any) for grant of the 20. Description of shares or debentures
option involved: class, number
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
N/A 67,127 ORDINARY SHARES OF 25P EACH GRANTED
UNDER THE BOC GROUP LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
21. Exercise price (if fixed at time of grant) 22. Total number of shares or debentures over
or indication that price is to be fixed at which options held following this
time of exercise notification
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
OPTIONS GRANTED AT NIL COST 616,935
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
23. Any additional information 24. Name of contact and telephone number for
queries
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
The options, granted under The BOC Group KAREN WESTON
Long Term Incentive Plan may be satisfied 01276 807388
by a new issue of shares to the director or
by a transfer of shares from The BOC Group
plc Employee Share Trust (1995). The Trust
has the right to subscribe the number of
shares required to satisfy the option.
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
Page 13 of 30
-------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
25. Name and signature of authorised company official responsible for making this notification
KAREN WESTON, COMPANY SECRETARIAL ADMINISTRATOR
Date of notification: 22 NOVEMBER 2004
-------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 14 of 30
THE BOC GROUP plc ANNOUNCEMENT RELEASED TO A REGULATORY INFORMATION SERVICE
ON 22 NOVEMBER 2004
AT 17.30 HRS UNDER REF: PRNUK-2211041729-FF7C
SCHEDULE 11
NOTIFICATION OF INTERESTS OF DIRECTORS AND CONNECTED PERSONS
All relevant boxes should be completed in block capital letters.
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
1. Name of company 2. Name of director
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
THE BOC GROUP PLC JOHN LAWRENCE WALSH
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
3. Please state whether notification indicates 4. Name of the registered holder(s) and, if
that it is in respect of holding of the more than one holder, the number of shares
shareholder named in 2 above or in respect held by each of them (if notified)
of a non-beneficial interest or in the case
of an individual holder if it is a holding
of that person's spouse or children under
the age of 18 or in respect of a
non-beneficial interest
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
IN RESPECT OF A HOLDING OF THE DIRECTOR IN 2 JOHN LAWRENCE WALSH
ABOVE
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
5. Please state whether notification relates to 6. Please state the nature of the transaction.
a person(s) connected with the director For PEP transactions please indicate whether
named in 2 above and identify the connected general/single co PEP and if
person(s) discretionary/non discretionary
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
N/A LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN GRANT
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
------- -------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- -------------------- ----- ------------------
7. Number of 8. Percentage of 9. Number of 10. Percentage of
shares/amount of issued class shares/amount of issued class
stock acquired stock disposed
------- -------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- -------------------- ----- ------------------
N/A N/A N/A N/A
------- -------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- -------------------- ----- ------------------
-------- ------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- ------------------- ------ ------------------
11. Class of security 12. Price per share 13. Date of 14. Date company
transaction informed
-------- ------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- ------------------- ------ ------------------
ORDINARY SHARES N/A 19 NOVEMBER 2004 22 NOVEMBER 2004
OF 25P EACH
-------- ------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- ------------------- ------ ------------------
Page 15 of 30
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
15. Total holding following this notification 16. Total percentage holding of issued class
following this notification
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
N/A N/A
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
If a director has been granted options by the company please complete the following boxes.
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
17. Date of grant 18. Period during which or date on which
options exercisable
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
19 NOVEMBER 2004 19 NOVEMBER 2007 SUBJECT TO PERFORMANCE
CONDITIONS
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
19. Total amount paid (if any) for grant of the 20. Description of shares or debentures
option involved: class, number
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
N/A 57,563 ORDINARY SHARES OF 25P EACH GRANTED
UNDER THE BOC GROUP LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
21. Exercise price (if fixed at time of grant) 22. Total number of shares or debentures over
or indication that price is to be fixed at which options held following this
time of exercise notification
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
OPTIONS GRANTED AT NIL COST 637,407
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
23. Any additional information 24. Name of contact and telephone number for
queries
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
The options, granted under The BOC Group KAREN WESTON
Long Term Incentive Plan may be satisfied 01276 807388
by a new issue of shares to the director or
by a transfer of shares from The BOC Group
plc Employee Share Trust (1995). The Trust
has the right to subscribe the number of
shares required to satisfy the option.
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
Page 16 of 30
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25. Name and signature of authorised company official responsible for making this notification
KAREN WESTON, COMPANY SECRETARIAL ADMINISTRATOR
Date of notification: 22 NOVEMBER 2004
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Page 17 of 30
THE BOC GROUP plc ANNOUNCEMENT RELEASED TO A REGULATORY INFORMATION SERVICE
ON 22 NOVEMBER 2004
AT 17.28 HRS UNDER REF: PRNUK-2211041727-DB22
SCHEDULE 11
NOTIFICATION OF INTERESTS OF DIRECTORS AND CONNECTED PERSONS
All relevant boxes should be completed in block capital letters.
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
1. Name of company 2. Name of director
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
THE BOC GROUP PLC JOHN ANDREW BEVAN
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
3. Please state whether notification indicates 4. Name of the registered holder(s) and, if
that it is in respect of holding of the more than one holder, the number of shares
shareholder named in 2 above or in respect held by each of them (if notified)
of a non-beneficial interest or in the case
of an individual holder if it is a holding
of that person's spouse or children under
the age of 18 or in respect of a
non-beneficial interest
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
IN RESPECT OF A HOLDING OF THE DIRECTOR IN 2 JOHN ANDREW BEVAN
ABOVE
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
5. Please state whether notification relates to 6. Please state the nature of the transaction.
a person(s) connected with the director For PEP transactions please indicate whether
named in 2 above and identify the connected general/single co PEP and if
person(s) discretionary/non discretionary
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
N/A LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN GRANT
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
------- -------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- -------------------- ----- ------------------
7. Number of 8. Percentage of 9. Number of 10. Percentage of
shares/amount of issued class shares/amount of issued class
stock acquired stock disposed
------- -------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- -------------------- ----- ------------------
N/A N/A N/A N/A
------- -------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- -------------------- ----- ------------------
-------- ------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- ------------------- ------ ------------------
11. Class of security 12. Price per share 13. Date of 14. Date company
transaction informed
-------- ------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- ------------------- ------ ------------------
ORDINARY SHARES N/A 19 NOVEMBER 2004 22 NOVEMBER 2004
OF 25P EACH
-------- ------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- ------------------- ------ ------------------
Page 18 of 30
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
15. Total holding following this notification 16. Total percentage holding of issued class
following this notification
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
N/A N/A
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
If a director has been granted options by the company please complete the following boxes.
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
17. Date of grant 18. Period during which or date on which
options exercisable
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
19 NOVEMBER 2004 19 NOVEMBER 2007 SUBJECT TO PERFORMANCE
CONDITIONS
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
19. Total amount paid (if any) for grant of the 20. Description of shares or debentures
option involved: class, number
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
N/A 54,696 ORDINARY SHARES OF 25P EACH GRANTED
UNDER THE BOC GROUP LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
21. Exercise price (if fixed at time of grant) 22. Total number of shares or debentures over
or indication that price is to be fixed at which options held following this
time of exercise notification
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
OPTIONS GRANTED AT NIL COST 457,293
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
23. Any additional information 24. Name of contact and telephone number for
queries
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
The options, granted under The BOC Group KAREN WESTON
Long Term Incentive Plan may be satisfied 01276 807388
by a new issue of shares to the director or
by a transfer of shares from The BOC Group
plc Employee Share Trust (1995). The Trust
has the right to subscribe the number of
shares required to satisfy the option.
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
Page 19 of 30
-------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
25. Name and signature of authorised company official responsible for making this notification
KAREN WESTON, COMPANY SECRETARIAL ADMINISTRATOR
Date of notification: 22 NOVEMBER 2004
-------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 20 of 30
THE BOC GROUP plc ANNOUNCEMENT RELEASED TO A REGULATORY INFORMATION SERVICE
ON 22 NOVEMBER 2004
AT 17.27 HRS UNDER REF: PRNUK-2211041726-AF62
SCHEDULE 11
NOTIFICATION OF INTERESTS OF DIRECTORS AND CONNECTED PERSONS
All relevant boxes should be completed in block capital letters.
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
1. Name of company 2. Name of director
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
THE BOC GROUP PLC ANTHONY ERIC ISAAC
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
3. Please state whether notification indicates 4. Name of the registered holder(s) and, if
that it is in respect of holding of the more than one holder, the number of shares
shareholder named in 2 above or in respect held by each of them (if notified)
of a non-beneficial interest or in the case
of an individual holder if it is a holding
of that person's spouse or children under
the age of 18 or in respect of a
non-beneficial interest
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
IN RESPECT OF A HOLDING OF THE DIRECTOR IN 2 ANTHONY ERIC ISAAC
ABOVE
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
5. Please state whether notification relates to 6. Please state the nature of the transaction.
a person(s) connected with the director For PEP transactions please indicate whether
named in 2 above and identify the connected general/single co PEP and if
person(s) discretionary/non discretionary
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
N/A LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN GRANT
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
------- -------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- -------------------- ----- ------------------
7. Number of 8. Percentage of 9. Number of 10. Percentage of
shares/amount of issued class shares/amount of issued class
stock acquired stock disposed
------- -------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- -------------------- ----- ------------------
N/A N/A N/A N/A
------- -------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- -------------------- ----- ------------------
-------- ------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- ------------------- ------ ------------------
11. Class of security 12. Price per share 13. Date of 14. Date company
transaction informed
-------- ------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- ------------------- ------ ------------------
ORDINARY SHARES N/A 19 NOVEMBER 2004 22 NOVEMBER 2004
OF 25P EACH
-------- ------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- ------------------- ------ ------------------
Page 21 of 30
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
15. Total holding following this notification 16. Total percentage holding of issued class
following this notification
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
N/A N/A
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
If a director has been granted options by the company please complete the following boxes.
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
17. Date of grant 18. Period during which or date on which
options exercisable
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
19 NOVEMBER 2004 19 NOVEMBER 2007 SUBJECT TO PERFORMANCE
CONDITIONS
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
19. Total amount paid (if any) for grant of the 20. Description of shares or debentures
option involved: class, number
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
N/A 153,502 ORDINARY SHARES OF 25P EACH GRANTED
UNDER THE BOC GROUP LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
21. Exercise price (if fixed at time of grant) 22. Total number of shares or debentures over
or indication that price is to be fixed at which options held following this
time of exercise notification
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
OPTIONS GRANTED AT NIL COST 1,562,713
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
23. Any additional information 24. Name of contact and telephone number for
queries
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
The options, granted under The BOC Group KAREN WESTON
Long Term Incentive Plan may be satisfied 01276 807388
by a new issue of shares to the director or
by a transfer of shares from The BOC Group
plc Employee Share Trust (1995). The Trust
has the right to subscribe the number of
shares required to satisfy the option.
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
Page 22 of 30
-------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
25. Name and signature of authorised company official responsible for making this notification
KAREN WESTON, COMPANY SECRETARIAL ADMINISTRATOR
Date of notification: 22 NOVEMBER 2004
-------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 23 of 30
THE BOC GROUP plc ANNOUNCEMENT RELEASED TO A REGULATORY INFORMATION SERVICE
ON 24 NOVEMBER 2004
AT 16.40 HRS UNDER REF: PRNUK-2411041640-601C
24 November 2004
THE BOC GROUP plc EMPLOYEE SHARE TRUST (1995)
The BOC Group plc (the Company) has been notified of the disposal on 24 November
2004 of 15,000 Ordinary shares of 25p each in the Company at an exercise price
of 722p per share by Ogier Trustee Limited (the Trustee) as trustee of The BOC
Group plc Employee Share Trust (1995) (the Trust). These Ordinary shares have
been transferred, following exercise of options, to participants in the
Company's senior executive share option plans.
Following this disposal of 15,000 Ordinary shares, the Trustee now holds
4,866,855 Ordinary shares.
Each of the executive Directors of the Company is a potential beneficiary under
the Trust and therefore for Companies Act purposes is regarded as interested in
all of these 4,866,855 Ordinary shares. Despite this technical interest, each
executive Director will only be entitled to receive Ordinary shares from the
Trust in satisfaction of options granted to him in respect of these Ordinary
shares.
Page 24 of 30
THE BOC GROUP plc ANNOUNCEMENT RELEASED TO A REGULATORY INFORMATION SERVICE
ON 26 NOVEMBER 2004
AT 14.55 HRS UNDER REF: PRNUK-2611041455-D8B8
THE BOC GROUP plc EMPLOYEE SHARE TRUST (1995)
The BOC Group plc has been notified of the purchase on 26 November 2004 of
750,000 The BOC Group plc Ordinary shares of 25p each at a purchase price of
939p per share by Ogier Trustee Limited for The BOC Group plc Employee Share
Trust (1995). This Trust was established for the purpose of satisfying the
exercise, in due course, of awards made under senior executive incentive plans.
Each of the directors of The BOC Group plc, who is an employee, is a potential
beneficiary under the Trust and therefore for Companies Act purposes is regarded
as interested in all of these Ordinary shares. Despite the technical interest in
all the Ordinary shares each director will only be entitled to receive Ordinary
shares from the Trust to the extent that awards are made to him in respect of
these Ordinary shares.
Awards made to directors under the incentive plans have previously been
notified, most recently on 24 November 2004.
Page 25 of 30
THE BOC GROUP plc ANNOUNCEMENT RELEASED TO A REGULATORY INFORMATION SERVICE
ON 29 NOVEMBER 2004
AT 15.24 HRS UNDER REF: PRNUK-2911041522-5C2C
SCHEDULE 11
NOTIFICATION OF INTERESTS OF DIRECTORS AND CONNECTED PERSONS
All relevant boxes should be completed in block capital letters.
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
1. Name of company 2. Name of director
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
THE BOC GROUP plc ANTHONY ERIC ISAAC
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
3. Please state whether notification indicates 4. Name of the registered holder(s) and, if
that it is in respect of holding of the more than one holder, the number of shares
shareholder named in 2 above or in respect held by each of them (if notified)
of a non-beneficial interest or in the case
of an individual holder if it is a holding
of that person's spouse or children under
the age of 18 or in respect of a
non-beneficial interest
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
DIRECTOR AS IN 2 ABOVE AND SPOUSE ANTHONY ERIC ISAAC AND JANICE ISAAC
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
5. Please state whether notification relates to 6. Please state the nature of the transaction.
a person(s) connected with the director For PEP transactions please indicate whether
named in 2 above and identify the connected general/single co PEP and if
person(s) discretionary/non discretionary
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
JANICE ISAAC (WIFE) EXERCISE OF EXECUTIVE SHARE OPTION, TRANSFER
OF SHARES TO WIFE AND SALE OF SHARES BY WIFE
------ ---------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------------------------------------
------- -------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- -------------------- ----- ------------------
7. Number of 8. Percentage of 9. Number of 10. Percentage of
shares/amount of issued class shares/amount of issued class
stock acquired stock disposed
------- -------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- -------------------- ----- ------------------
50,000 0.01% 50,000 0.01%
------- -------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- -------------------- ----- ------------------
Page 26 of 30
-------- ------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- ------------------- ------ ------------------
11. Class of security 12. Price per share 13. Date of 14. Date company
transaction informed
-------- ------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- ------------------- ------ ------------------
ORDINARY SHARES 722P EXERCISE 29 NOVEMBER 2004 29 NOVEMBER 2004
OF 25P EACH 946P SALE
-------- ------------------- ----- ------------------ ----- ------------------- ------ ------------------
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
15. Total holding following this notification 16. Total percentage holding of issued class
following this notification
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
8,057 SHARES 0.21%
1,512,713 OPTIONS
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
If a director has been granted options by the company please complete the following boxes.
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
17. Date of grant 18. Period during which or date on which
options exercisable
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
19. Total amount paid (if any) for grant of the 20. Description of shares or debentures
option involved: class, number
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
21. Exercise price (if fixed at time of grant) 22. Total number of shares or debentures over
or indication that price is to be fixed at which options held following this
time of exercise notification
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
23. Any additional information 24. Name of contact and telephone number for
queries
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
KAREN WESTON
01276 807388
------- --------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------------
-------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
25. Name and signature of authorised company official responsible for making this notification
KAREN WESTON, COMPANY SECRETARIAL ADMINISTRATOR
Date of notification: 29 NOVEMBER 2004
-------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 27 of 30
THE BOC GROUP plc ANNOUNCEMENT RELEASED TO A REGULATORY INFORMATION SERVICE
ON 30 NOVEMBER 2004
AT 13:44 HRS UNDER REF: PRNUK-3011041343-417A
30 November 2004
African Oxygen Limited today issued the following announcement to the
Johannesburg Stock Exchange.
REVISED TERMS FOR BEE TRANSACTION - AFROX TO INVEST 25% IN BIDCO
African Oxygen Limited (Afrox) today announced that it would replace Medi-Clinic
as the 25% shareholder in Bidco, the black empowerment consortium which has
agreed to purchase AHealth. In an agreement announced between Afrox, AHealth,
Bidco and MediClinic, MediClinic have agreed to terminate its involvement with
Bidco on all levels. The previous shareholders agreement and the disposal
agreement whereby MediClinic were to have acquired certain AHealth beds have
been cancelled with immediate effect.
All parties have worked together to find a solution to facilitate the
satisfactory outcome of the Bidco transaction. The revised proposal involves the
introduction of new BEE funders and the commitment by Afrox to invest in Bidco.
Bidco was incorporated solely for the purpose of acquiring the issued share
capital of AHealth. A consortium of Black Economic Empowerment investors
("Beeco"), led by Brimstone ("Brimstone") and Mvelaphanda Strategic Investments
("Mvelaphanda") will together, directly or indirectly, hold 75% of the ordinary
issued shares of Bidco; Afrox will hold the remaining 25%.
Afrox will distribute the net proceeds from the disposal of its 69% shareholding
in AHealth to its shareholders. In a separate transaction, on the operative date
of the Shareholder Scheme, Afrox will subscribe for further shares in, and
advance loans to Bidco in an amount of R 375 million.
Commenting on this revised deal, Afrox CEO Rick Hogben, said: "It became clear
to us that continued opposition to the deal could be protracted and would not be
in anyone's interests. We have found a solution, acceptable to all parties,
which enables us to continue to pursue this landmark BEE transaction, which is
particularly important in the context of the anticipated Healthcare Charter."
Hogben continued: "The healthcare business needs to be protected; this has been
a difficult period for all our staff and doctors and we value their continued
hard work and loyalty. Afrox continues to believe that a deal which provides
AHealth with a BEE partner is a significant advantage in remaining competitive
and well-positioned to pursue new investment opportunities in the healthcare
sector, both locally and internationally. With the evolving South African
national healthcare system, an empowered AHealth will be ideally positioned for
growth and profitability."
Any continued interference with the transaction can only be indicative of an
effort to interfere with black economic empowerment, as all other grounds for
objection have now been removed.
Commenting on the revised deal, Prof Jakes Gerwel, Chairman of Bidco and
Brimstone Investment Corporation said:
"All parties have worked steadily to find an acceptable solution. The provision
of funding is moving ahead as planned, and Bidco is hopeful of having all of the
issues pertaining to independent funding in place before the Tribunal reconvenes
in January 2005."
Gerwel continued: "We look forward to working within the revised shareholding
structure. We welcome Afrox's reinvestment as it facilitates the conclusion of
the transaction. It is also our intention to bring our
Page 28 of 30
supporting doctors in as shareholders in AHealth, once this deal has been
finalised and settled, in a manner yet to be determined. It is important to us
to have the interest and support of our Doctors."
Afrox's original decision to dispose of its entire shareholding in AHealth, was
based on the fact that Afrox had derived substantial growth from AHealth and its
belief that the healthcare business had attained the requisite scale and level
of sophistication such that operating as an autonomous empowered entity would
enable it to pursue its own growth initiatives without restriction. Afrox firmly
believes this still holds true.
Afrox, AHealth and Bidco have also agreed to further extend the Merger Agreement
and the date for fulfillment of the Competition Condition in the Shareholder
Scheme and of the Shareholder Scheme Condition in the Employee Scheme to 23
January 2005. Provided that Bidco's funding is in place by that date, there will
be a further extension to enable the Competition Tribunal to make its decision.
An application has been brought in the South African High Court by two
shareholders in AHealth to have the Scheme of Arrangement declared to have
lapsed. This application, which is being opposed, is currently due to be heard
in the week commencing 29 November 2004. The parties hope that following the
announcement of this revised transaction, the applicants will withdraw their
application.
Dr Jackie Mphafudi, Chairman of Mvelaphanda Strategic Investments, expects the
Competition Tribunal to approve the acquisition of Ahealth: "This new
arrangement brings no material change, other than significant empowerment
ownership, to the healthcare industry. With the Healthcare Charter that is in
the process of being formulated, this is a welcome development and a landmark
deal. Any possible intervening party will now only be trying to feather its own
nest."
Hogben concluded, "I extend my appreciation to Bidco, Mediclinic and Afrox
stakeholders for their commitment to finding a workable solution for this deal."
--------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact: Christopher Marsay, Director - Investor Relations
--------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tel: 01276 477222 (International +44 1276 477222)
--------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 29 of 30
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: December 1, 2004
By: /s/ Sarah Larkins
-------------------------------------
Name: Sarah Larkins
Title: Assistant Company Secretary
Page 30 of 30