Statement re Primark UK Fire

Associated British Foods PLC
02 November 2005



                          Associated British Foods plc


For immediate release
                                                            2 November 2005

Associated British Foods plc, the international food, ingredients and retail
group, has today confirmed that the main warehouse which supplies Primark UK,
located in Lutterworth, was severely damaged by a fire overnight.  The impact on
the Primark UK business is currently being assessed.

Primark is fully insured both for stock loss and business interruption and the
warehouse was owned and operated by TNT.  Alternative arrangements are being
made to continue the supply to the UK stores.  It is estimated that half of the
stock in hand in the UK is located elsewhere, including at a smaller warehouse,
and is undamaged.  The Irish business, Penneys, is supplied by another
warehouse.  A further announcement with a fuller assessment will be made in due
course.


For further information please contact:


Associated British Foods
John Bason, Finance Director                        Tel: [phone]


Citigate Dewe Rogerson                              Tel: [phone]
Jonathan Clare / Chris Barrie / Sara Batchelor








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