Strong Start to 2003

14th April 2003

                             Strong Start to 2003                              

The following is the text for the Reckitt Benckiser conference call to be given
today by Bart Becht, Chief Executive Officer, and Colin Day, Chief Financial
Officer, at 1030 hrs London time. The purpose of the call is to update the
market on the progress of the business in the first quarter of 2003.

Commenting on the position, Bart Becht said

'Reckitt Benckiser made a strong start to 2003. Net revenue growth from
continuing operations was over 6 % at constant exchange with profit growth well
ahead of that rate. Net revenue growth continued in the established markets of
Western Europe and North America and improved in emerging markets. These
results, backed by the strength of our innovation program, support our targets
for the full year of net revenue growth of 4% to 6% and net income growth of
low double digits, both at constant exchange.'

Update on Q1.

The first quarter saw strong underlying growth for the business, continuing
recent trends. For continuing operations, net revenue growth at constant
exchange in the quarter was over 6% (2002 base £849m). Including discontinued
activities, total Company net revenue growth at constant exchange was between
5% and 6% (2002 £855m).

Exchange has had an adverse impact on net revenues in Q1, the strength of the
Euro being more than outweighed by weakness in US $ and linked currencies. This
had an impact on the above growth of around 3.5% points.

Profitability benefited from improvement in gross margins partially offset by
an increase in media and marketing support for new initiatives. Cash generation
continued to be strong, resulting in lower interest charges. The tax rate was
maintained at just below 27%. Consequently, the Company looks for the Q1
normalized net income growth rate to be in the mid-teens, somewhat ahead of the
full year target rate of low double digits (2002 base £70m).

Full Year Targets

The full year targets announced in February are net revenue growth of 4%-6%,
and net income growth of low double digits both at constant exchange. These
targets remain unchanged.

The full results for Q1 2003 will be released on 7th May 2003.

Notes

Discontinued business

Discontinued business in 2002 relates to the results of the Group's subsidiary
in Zimbabwe which have been excluded from the consolidated Group results with
effect from 1st July 2002.

Exchange Rate Impact

The exchange rates impact on net revenues on translation is disclosed in the
main text above. By contrast, the exchange rate impact on net income is
expected to be marginally positive as profits are much more Euro dependent than
net revenues and benefit disproportionately from Euro strength relative to £
Sterling.

For further information                                                        
                                                                               
Tom Corran                 Reckitt Benckiser         [phone]       
                                                                               
SVP Investor Relations & Corporate Communications                              
                                                                               
Tim Spratt                 Financial Dynamics        [phone]