FORM 8.1/8.3

Lodge with a RIS or Newstrack, if appropriate, and the Takeover Panel.
Use a separate form for each class of securities in which dealings have
been made.


Date of disclosure: 10/11/03


DISCLOSURE UNDER RULES 8.1(a), 8.1(b)(i) AND 8.3 OF THE 
CITY CODE ON TAKEOVERS AND MERGERS


Date of dealing: 06/11/03

Dealing in: Microgen plc


(1) Class of securities (e.g. ordinary shares): Ordinary Shares of 5p


(2) (a) Amount bought: 700,000

(2) (b) Amount(s) sold: N/A

(2) (c) Price(s) per unit: 42.0p


(3) (a) Resultant total of the same class owned or controlled (and 
percentage of class): 700,000 (1.20%)


(4) Party making disclosure: Aberforth Partners


(5) EITHER (a) Name of purchaser/vendor (Note 1): N/A

OR (b) If dealing for discretionary client(s), name of fund management
organisation: Aberforth Partners


(6) Reason for disclosure (Note 2):

(a) associate of:

(i) offeror (Note 3): NO

(ii) offeree company: NO

Specify which category or categories of associate (1-8 overleaf): N/A

If category (8), explain: N/A

(b) Rule 8.3 (i.e. disclosure because of ownership or control of 1% or 
more of the class of relevant securities dealt in): YES


Signed, for and on behalf of the party named in (4) above:
N/A  Electronic Submission

(Also print name of signatory):
David Holland, for Aberforth Partners

Telephone and extension number:
0131 220 0733



Note 1.  Specify owner, not nominee or vehicle company.  If relevant, 
also identify controller of owner, e.g. where an owner normally acts on 
instructions of a controller.

Note 2.  Disclosure might be made for more than one reason; if so, 
state all reasons.

Note 3.  Specify which offeror if there is more than one.

Note 4.  When an arrangement exists with any offeror, with the offeree 
company or with an associate of any offeror or of the offeree company 
in relation to relevant securities, details of such arrangement must be 
disclosed, as required by Note 6 on Rule 8.

Note 5.  It may be necessary, particularly when disclosing derivative 
transactions, to append a sheet to this disclosure form so that all 
relevant information can be given.

Note 6.  In the case of an average price bargain, each underlying trade 
should be disclosed.


For full details of disclosure requirements, see Rule 8 of the Code.
If in doubt, contact the Panel on Takeovers and Mergers, Monitoring
Section, Tel No: 020 7638 0129.  E-mail: monitoring@disclosure.org.uk.