Kings Super Markets

Marks & Spencer PLC
20 April 2000


                      KINGS SUPER MARKETS
                               
                               
Marks and Spencer is to retain and develop its New Jersey
supermarket operation, Kings Super Markets.

Although Kings continues to trade successfully, with results
above estimate, valuations for US food retailers have declined
markedly since the company announced its intention to sell
last September.  Marks & Spencer does not believe that present
conditions allow a price for Kings that reflects either the
financial performance of the existing operations or the
potential for future growth.

Guy McCracken, Director International Retail, said:

'Kings is a profitable and well run business with a reputation
for high quality foods and outstanding customer service.
Kings continues to perform ahead of expectations and we have
every confidence in the management and employees of Kings to
continue the successful growth and development of the
business.'


Notes for editors:

Kings operates 25 supermarkets in New Jersey, with a total
footage of 429,000 square feet.  The company specialises in
top quality food products and provides a high standard of
customer service.  In the last reported financial year (ending
31 March 1999) Kings had a turnover of £254.5 million, with
profits before tax of £10 million.


For further information, please contact:

Marks and Spencer p.l.c.
Jeff Denton,         Corporate Finance       020 7268 8878
Tony Quinlan         Investor Relations      020 7268 4195
Louis Hill,          Press Office            020 7268 6560