RNS Number:1143S
Takeover Panel
14 November 2003

                                                                         2003/24


                        STERLING ENERGY PLC ("STERLING")

                        FUSION OIL & GAS PLC ("FUSION")


                          Offer timetable extended


Rule 31.9 of the Code requires that all material new information should
ordinarily be published by an offeree company by the 39th day following the
posting of the offer document.  Normally, therefore, the last day for
publication by Fusion of such information in the context of the offer by
Sterling would have been 9 November.

On 13 November Fusion announced a development in relation to a Mauritanian joint
venture in which Fusion has an interest.  In these circumstances the Panel has
ruled that "Day 39" will be deemed to be 13 November.

Consequently, "Day 46" (the last date for posting a revised offer) and "Day 60"
(the date by which an offer must become unconditional as to acceptances) will be
extended to 20 November and 4 December respectively.  The next expiry date of
the offer will not be affected by this extension.



14 November 2003


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