Holding in Company

Mothercare PLC
12 December 2000




Mothercare plc announces that it was advised today by Franklin Resources Inc. of
a reduction in its notifiable interest.

The holding of Franklin Resources Inc. amount to 5,758,465 shares or 8.15% of
Mothercare's issued share capital (previously 6,815,438 shares or 9.64%).

Registered Holder                             Number of Shares
-----------------                             ----------------

Chase Nominees Ltd                              3,681,198
Deutsche                                          166,666
HSBC                                              505,063
Northern Trust Company                            548,900
State Street Nominees Ltd                         633,714
Midland Bank Plc                                  222,924
TOTAL                                           5,758,465 or 8.15%