The Law Offices of Howard G. Smith Announces the Filing of a Securities Class Action on Behalf of BT Group plc Investors and Encourages Investors to Contact the Firm

BENSALEM, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Law Offices of Howard G. Smith announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of investors who purchased BT Group plc ("BT Group" or the "Company") BT securities between May 23, 2013, and January 23, 2017, inclusive (the "Class Period"). BT Group investors have until March 27, 2017 to file a lead plaintiff motion.

Investors suffering losses on their BT Group investments are encouraged to contact the Law Offices of Howard G. Smith to discuss their legal rights in this class action at 888-638-4847 or by email to howardsmith@howardsmithlaw.com.

On January 24, 2017, BT Group disclosed that an internal accounting investigation identified a significant overstatement of earnings in BT Group's Italian business, that would require adjustments of approximately £530 million.

The Company further stated that, "The improper behaviour in our Italian business is an extremely serious matter, and we have taken immediate steps to strengthen the financial processes and controls in that business. We suspended a number of BT Italy's senior management team who have now left the business. We have also appointed a new Chief Executive of BT Italy who will take charge on 1 February 2017. He will review the Italian management team and will work with BT Group Ethics and Compliance to improve the governance, compliance and financial safeguards in our Italian business."

On this news BT Group shares fell over 20%, or nearly $5.05 per share, to close on January 24, 2017 at $19.38.

The complaint filed in this class action alleges that Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) BT's Italian division had engaged in improper accounting practices; (2) BT thus significantly overstated its earnings; (3) the above mentioned would likely cause BT to cut its revenue, earnings, and free cash flow forecasts; and (4) consequently, BT's public statements were materially false and misleading.

If you purchased shares of BT Group during the Class Period you may move the Court no later than March 27, 2017 to ask the Court to appoint you as lead plaintiff if you meet certain legal requirements. To be a member of the Class you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the Class. If you wish to learn more about this action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Howard G. Smith, Esquire, of Law Offices of Howard G. Smith, 3070 Bristol Pike, Suite 112, Bensalem, Pennsylvania 19020 by telephone at (215) 638-4847, toll-free at (888) 638-4847, or by email to howardsmith@howardsmithlaw.com, or visit our website at http://www.howardsmithlaw.com.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.

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