Response to Press Reports

Marks & Spencer Group PLC
28 June 2004


Issued : 28 June 2004

              Marks and Spencer Group plc ('M&S' or the 'Company')

                           Response to Press Reports

The Board of M&S notes the stories in a number of Sunday newspapers in relation
to share dealing in the Company and conversations involving Stuart Rose prior to
Revival's announcement on 27 May.

Shareholders should be aware that there are material factual inaccuracies and
innuendo in some of these stories. The key facts are these:

   • Stuart Rose did not know that Philip Green intended to bid for M&S when
    he acquired M&S shares on 7 May.

   • On 12 May, Stuart Rose met Philip Green and was informed at this meeting
    of Mr Green's possible intention to bid for M&S. Stuart Rose did not
    improperly inform anyone about what was disclosed at this meeting.

   • Stuart Rose was at no point part of Philip Green's bid team.

   • Stuart Rose was not offered the job of Chairman of Philip Green's bid
    vehicle and has never claimed that he was.

Stuart Rose informed the Company of his share ownership prior to his appointment
as Chief Executive and the Board has satisfied itself that Stuart has acted
properly. The Board is totally supportive of Stuart Rose.

Paul Myners, M&S Chairman said:

'The facts are clear. When Stuart Rose acquired shares in M&S on 7 May, he did
not know either that Philip Green would make a bid for M&S or that he would be
asked by the Company to become its Chief Executive. Stuart will not allow
himself to be distracted from the task in hand, of maximising value for
shareholders.'

PRESS ENQUIRIES
Marks & Spencer Corporate Press Office 020 7268 1919

Tulchan 020 7353 4200
Andrew Grant
Katie Macdonald-Smith

The directors of Marks and Spencer Group plc accept responsibility for the
information contained in this announcement and confirm that, to the best of
their knowledge and belief, (having taken all reasonable care to ensure that
such is the case), the information contained in this announcement is in
accordance with the facts and does not omit anything likely to affect the import
of such information.



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