Disposal

16 April 2004

Lawrence sells South African business

Lawrence plc (Lawrence) is pleased to announce that it has sold the
trading business and certain of the assets of ECO Animal Health Southern
Africa (Pty) Ltd, its Pretoria based subsidiary, to the management team
headed by leading veterinarian Dr Peter Oberem, who has formed a new
black empowerment company, Afrivet Business Management (Pty) Ltd
(Afrivet).

ECO Animal Health Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd retains all its drug
registrations and has agreed to their exclusive use by Afrivet. Under a
new distribution and licence agreement Lawrence's UK based subsidiary,
ECO Animal Health Ltd (ECO), will receive a continuing payment based on
Afrivet's total sales, which should enhance the profitability of ECO.

As a result of this agreement, Afrivet has paid Lawrence approximately
£2 million to cover repayment of intercompany indebtedness and the
purchase of tangible assets from ECO Animal Health Southern Africa (Pty)
Ltd.

Peter Lawrence, Chairman of Lawrence, commented:
 "South Africa is where ECO had its roots nearly 10 years ago and
continues to be an important market for us. This transaction is
particularly well timed as it benefits from the recent strength of the
rand against sterling and reduces future exchange exposure to the rand.
We are delighted that Peter Oberem has been able to achieve his ambition
of owning the business and we are confident that it will continue to
flourish under his motivating leadership. This is an excellent deal for
both companies and they will continue to benefit and work closely
together."

Contacts:
Peter Lawrence
Chairman, Lawrence plc
020 8336 2900

Anthony Spiro
Spiro Financial
020 8949 0428

Philip Davies
Charles Stanley & Co
020 7953 2000

Lawrence plc is a leader in the development, manufacture and
distribution of principally specialist chemical and pharmaceutical
products for the animal health and farming markets worldwide. Our
products for these growth markets incorporate natural ingredients to
promote well being and sustainability. We achieve our financial goals
through the careful and responsible application of science to generate
value for our shareholders.

Our corporate web site www.lawrenceplc.com includes our press releases
together with general information about the company and its
subsidiaries. Each subsidiary also has a web site, which gives further
information about that business and its products.