SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549


FORM 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


For the month of March 2004

MERANT plc
(Translation of Registrant's Name Into English)

The Lawn, Old Bath Road, Newbury, England RG14 1QN
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)


         (Indicate  by check  mark  whether  the  registrant  files or
will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.)


     Form 20-F   X                                      Form 40-F _____
              -------

         (Indicate  by check mark  whether  the  registrant  by
furnishing  the information contained in this form is also thereby
furnishing the information to the Commission  pursuant to Rule 12g3-
2(b) under the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934.)

         Yes   X                                             No  _____
            -------

         (If "Yes" is marked,  indicate  below the file  number
assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2 (b): 82-795.)

LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE ANNOUNCEMENT


SIGNATURES


     Pursuant to the  requirements  of the Securities  Exchange Act of
1934, the registrant  has duly  caused  this  report  to be  signed  on
its  behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


                                       MERANT plc
                                       (Registrant)


Date:  March 9, 2004               By: /s/ Stephen M. Going
                                 --------------------------------------
                                       Stephen M. Going
                                       Vice President and General Counsel