Disposal

Marks & Spencer Group PLC
22 July 2002



Issued: Monday 22 July 2002



                     MARKS & SPENCER GROUP P.L.C. ANNOUNCES

                        SALE OF KINGS SUPER MARKETS, INC


Marks and Spencer Group p.l.c. today announces the sale of Kings Super Markets,
Inc. to D'Agostino Supermarkets, a privately owned US food retailer, for $160
million in cash. The transaction is expected to close in the next few weeks.

For the year to March 2002, the operating profit of Kings was $18.0m (£12.6m).
This compares to the operating profits for the last two years to March of $17.5m
(£11.9) in 2001, and $17.9m (£11.1m) in 2000. At the end of March 2002, the net
assets of Kings Super Markets to be disposed of were $101.1m (£71.1m).

Commenting on the transaction, David Norgrove, Marks & Spencer Clothing and
International Director, said:

'We are pleased to have reached agreement with D'Agostino Supermarkets at a fair
price. Kings is a high quality supermarket chain with a committed workforce and
a loyal customer base in its key markets. However, it is not a good fit with the
Marks & Spencer core business or strategic priorities.'

The sale completes the restructuring programme announced in March 2001 to sell
or close all non-strategic or loss-making businesses, enabling the organisation
to focus on Marks & Spencer's core UK businesses.

For more information, please contact:

Corporate Press Team: 020 7268 1919

Investor Relations: 020 7268 4195



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