Response to reports in the Dutch media

Essent announced some time ago that it intended focusing on the future, with the objective of retaining control over its destiny. Essent has the ambition to be a powerful and substantial player on the West European energy market, with a strong home base in the Netherlands. Part of the company's motivation is to meet the major challenges facing the Netherlands regarding supply certainty and sustainable energy management.

Response to reports in the Dutch media

Essent's preferred strategy involves a phased approach, first forming a strong Dutch energy company and then reinforcing its position on the international market.To achieve this, Essent is conducting exploratory talks with many different parties. Whether these talks will produce any results, let alone when this will occur, is an open question at this time.

14 June 2006

Published: 14 June 2006