FTSE Group, the global index provider, said Wednesday the market consultation on minimum free float requirement for the FTSE U.K. Index Series showed a clear preference from respondents for setting a minimum 25% free float requirement for U.K. Series constituents.

MAIN FACTS:

-As a result, the FTSE Policy Group have approved a change to the Ground Rules of the FTSE U.K. Index Series, which increases the minimum free float for a company to be eligible for inclusion to 25% effective from Jan. 1, 2012.

-Current ground rules for both the FTSE U.K. Index Series and the FTSE Global Equity Index Series allow a minimum free float of 15% for a company to be eligible for inclusion in either index series.

-Consultation doesn't affect companies incorporated outside of the U.K., which are already subject to a higher free float threshold of 50%.

-In response to concerns expressed by certain respondents that a 25% minimum free float threshold may prove insufficient, FTSE will undertake further consultation on whether a higher threshold would be appropriate, or whether additional governance standards should be incorporated in the FTSE All-Share Index.

-Changes will be applied to the FTSE U.K. Index Series--which includes the FTSE 100 Index, the FTSE 250 Index and the FTSE All-Share Index--from Jan. 1, 2012.

-By Ian Walker, Dow Jones Newswires; 44-20-7842-9296; ian.walker@dowjones.com