11. Treasury shares
During the period the group purchased 1.4 million shares (30 June 2007: 3.5 million; 31 December 2007: 8.9 million) for a consideration of £9.3m (30 June 2007: £32.5m; 31 December 2007: £79.2m). 18,923 of these shares were issued to satisfy options exercised by employees which were granted under the group’s share scheme (30 June 2007: 0.4 million; 31 December 2007: 0.6 million). No shares were cancelled during the year (30 June 2007: nil; 31 December 2007: nil).