EX-4 2 e22790ex_4.txt OPINION OF COUNSEL Exhibit 4 ---------
EMMET, MARVIN & MARTIN, LLP 177 MADISON AVENUE COUNSELLORS AT LAW MORRISTOWN, NEW JERSEY 07960 (973) 538-5600 _____ FAX: (973) 538-6448 120 Broadway _____ New York, New York 10271 1007 ORANGE STREET, SUITE 1460 _____ WILMINGTON, DELAWARE 19801 Writer's Direct Dial (212) 238-3000 (302) 472-7000 (212) 653-1760 FAX: (302) 472-7120 _____ _____ Fax: (212) 238-3100 Fax: (212) 653-1730 1351 WASHINGTON BOULEVARD http://www.emmetmarvin.com STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT 06902-4543 (203) 425-1400 FAX: (203) 425-1410
November 9, 2005 The Bank of New York, as Depositary 101 Barclay Street New York, New York, 10286 Re: American Depositary Receipts for Ordinary Shares of Pearson plc --------------------------------------------------------------- Ladies and Gentlemen: We refer to the registration statement to be filed on Form F-6 under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Registration Statement") by the legal entity created by the agreement (the "Deposit Agreement") for issuance of American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") evidenced by American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") for Ordinary Shares of Pearson plc for which you propose to act as Depositary. We are of the opinion that the ADSs covered by the Registration Statement, when issued in accordance with the terms of the Deposit Agreement, will, when sold, be legally issued and will entitle the holders thereof to the rights specified in the Deposit Agreement and the ADRs. This opinion may be used by you as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. Very truly yours, /s/ Emmet, Marvin & Martin, LLP ------------------------------- EMMET, MARVIN & MARTIN, LLP