FNET Future

RNS Number:7531M
Future Network PLC
7 November 2001



Not for release, publication or distribution in or into the United States,
Canada, the Republic of Ireland, France, The Netherlands, Australia, South
Africa or Japan.


                            The Future Network plc

                       Approach for TED Conferences LLC

                                Press Release

                               7 November 2001


The Future Network plc ("Future") announces that it has been approached
regarding a potential purchase of TED Conferences LLC ("TED"), a wholly owned
subsidiary of Future, by The Sapling Foundation ("Sapling"). The 2001 TED
conference generated revenues of $3.3 million. The indicative purchase price
for TED is $6 million. In addition, it is likely that there would be
significant tax benefits in the United States associated with any possible
sale.



Sapling is a non-profit public benefit corporation established in 1995 by
Chris Anderson (former Chairman of Future and currently a non-executive
director of Future).  Chris Anderson is currently Sapling's sole director.
Neither Chris Anderson nor any member of his family is a beneficiary of
Sapling whose purpose is to provide financial assistance to non-profit
organisations involved in the furtherance of charity, science or education.



In the event that a sale of TED to Sapling were to take place, Chris Anderson
has indicated that he would wish to step down from the board of Future and
manage TED on behalf of Sapling.



No agreement has been reached with regard to any possible transaction
involving TED, and there can be no guarantee that such an agreement will be
reached with Sapling or any other party. Any such agreement would be subject,
inter alia, to the approval of the Board of Future, which will be mindful of
shareholders' opinions. Future understands that a shareholder meeting would
not be required under the Listing Rules.



History of TED



On 21 July 2000 Future acquired a 49 per cent. stake in TED through its
wholly-owned subsidiary Imagine Media Inc from TED Conferences Inc, TED's
parent company, for a consideration of $8 million (comprised of $6 million in
cash and 158,227 ordinary shares in Future). At that time Imagine Media Inc
and TED Conferences Inc entered into a put and call option relating to the
remaining 51 per cent. of TED.  On 23 July 2001 Future was required, under
these arrangements, to acquire the remaining 51 per cent. of TED for a cash
consideration of $6 million.  The transaction was completed on 24 August 2001.
As with other conference businesses, recent events in the United States may
have increased the business risks associated with TED.



TED is the operator of the TED Conferences. The last TED Conference was held
in February 2001 in Monterey, California. The next conference, (TED 12) to be
held in February 2002 in Monterey California, would not be affected by any
potential transaction.



                                    -Ends-



For further information please contact:



The Future Network
Greg Ingham Chief Executive                                        01225 822521
Michael Penington Interim Finance Director                         01225 788175



Hogarth Partnership
James Longfield / Georgina Briscoe                                020 7357 9477





The contents of this document, which have been prepared by and are the sole
responsibility of The Future Network plc, have been approved by Morgan Stanley
& Co. International Limited (which is regulated by The Securities and Futures
Authority Limited) solely for the purposes of section 57 of the Financial
Services Act 1986.  Morgan Stanley & Co. International Limited is not advising
The Future Network plc in respect of any transaction involving TED which is
the subject of this document.

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