nab sells irish bank $2.5b, +$1.1b, returns $1b to, page-4

where does it say returns $1b to s/h? Crashy/stelep7,

I can not see any mention in the announcements of $1bn being returned to shareholders via a special dividend.

Please provide your source for this statement.

Ajax

"The use of the sale proceeds by the National will be determined when there is greater
clarity on a number of issues which have a potential impact on the National’s capital
position. These issues include: determining the quantum of 2005 first half restructure
charges, removal of additional capital requirements by the Australian Prudential Regulation
Authority (APRA) and the impact of new international accounting standards on the
National’s capital position. It is unlikely we will have clarity on all of these issues before
the National’s 2005 half year results."

"�� Expect transaction to be settled by end of March ’05
�� No change to previous dividend guidance"