The following was released today in London:

Southern Electric International Inc. (SEI) announces that, following an initial meeting with the board of South Western Electricity plc (SWEB), it has been informed by the board of SWEB that they do not wish under present circumstances to have any further discussions.

SEI regrets that the board of SWEB has taken this stance and will now consider its position.

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On Monday, Southern Electric International, a subsidiary of The Southern Company, announced that, following market purchases, another subsidiary of The Southern Company was the beneficial owner of approximately 11.2 percent of SWEB’s issued share capital, or 12,486,110 shares.

Southern Electric International develops, builds, owns, and operates power production facilities and provides a broad range of technical services to utilities and industrial companies in the U.S. and international markets.

The Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is also the parent firm of five electric utilities: Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi Power, and Savannah Electric. Other subsidiaries include Southern Nuclear, Southern Development and Investment Group, and Southern Company Services. Together, these companies make up one of the largest investor-owned electric utility groups in the United States. The Southern Company’s common stock is one of the 20 most widely held corporate stocks in America.