Bass Proposes Name Change to 'Six Continents' Emphasizing the Global Spread of the Business

LONDON -- Bass PLC, one of the leading global hospitality groups, announced today that, subject to shareholder approval, it will change its name to Six Continents PLC.

The name Bass and the red triangle trademark were sold with the Bass Brewers business in August last year. A condition of the sale was that Bass ceases using that name by August 21, 2002.

Six Continents was selected for its representation of the global spread and aspirations of the group, which operates in nearly 100 countries across six continents.

The name was also selected for some very powerful practical reasons:

• Bass already owned the name Six Continents through its Six Continents Club worldwide loyalty scheme.
• It was achieved at a relatively low cost (approximately 1/8pound 3/8375,000 for creation).
• The name Six Continents is protectable - it has passed rigorous legal and marketing checks and is registered all over the world.

In addition, there was staff involvement from the beginning of the search for the new name, with Six Continents being suggested by an employee as part of a Group-wide competition.

A new symbol has also been developed to reinforce the name in a manner that is intentionally clean and distinctive and which works well across all applications.

Shareholders will be asked to approve the name Six Continents at an extraordinary general meeting on July 20, 2001. Subject to the approval of shareholders and the Registrar of Companies, the change of name to Six Continents PLC is likely to be implemented on July 30, 2001.

"Today we are no longer a brewer, but a global hospitality group, with a clear focus on international hotels and leisure retail.

"Six Continents is a name which emphasises the global spread of the company and a name which will soon become synonymous with our strong hospitality service brands."