Not for distribution or release directly or indirectly, in or into The United States, Canada, Australia and Japan or any other jurisdiction in which the distribution or release would be unlawful. Other restrictions are applicable. Please  see the important notices at the end of this communication.

Electrabel, GDF SUEZ Group ("Electrabel"), announces today the launch of a private placement of around 5% of Elia's currently outstanding shares, through an accelerated bookbuilt offering.

ING Belgium NV/SA and KBC Securities NV are acting as the Joint Bookrunners for the transaction. The results of the placement will be announced upon completion of the accelerated bookbuilt offering.

The shares are expected to be suspended from trading on the Euronext Brussels, and trading in the stock is expected to resume following the publication of the results of the bookbuilding.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan. Such securities have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration thereunder.

This communication is only directed at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom or (ii) investment professionals falling within Article 19(1) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Order") or (iii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2) (A) to (D) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as "Relevant Persons"). The offered securities are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with, Relevant Persons. Any person who is not a Relevant Person should not act or rely on this communication or any of its contents.

Any offer of securities that may be deemed to be made pursuant to this communication in any EEA Member State that has implemented Directive 2003/71/EC (together with any applicable implementing measures in any Member State, the "Prospectus Directive") is only addressed to qualified investors in that Member State within the meaning of the Prospectus Directive. No communication or information related to the placing of Elia shares may be disseminated to the public in jurisdictions where prior registration or approval is required or that purpose. No steps have been taken or will be taken relating to the offering of Elia shares in any jurisdiction in which such steps would be required. The purchase of Elia shares is subject to specific legal and regulatory restrictions in certain jurisdictions. Electrabel assumes no responsibility in the event there is a violation by any person of such restrictions. This press release cannot be relied on for any investment contract or decision.