Re Press Speculation

Nichols PLC
19 March 2007


NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART IN, INTO OR
FROM ANY JURISDICTION WHERE IT IS UNLAWFUL TO DO SO


19 March 2007

Nichols plc ('Nichols')

Response to press speculation


In response to the recent press speculation, the Board of Nichols announces that
it is currently in preliminary discussions regarding the possibility of an offer
for the entire issued and to be issued share capital of the Company.


The discussions referred to above are at an early stage and accordingly, there
is no certainty that any offer will be made.


A further announcement will be made in due course.


Pursuant to Rule 2.10 of the City Code, Nichols announces that it has 36,968,772
ordinary shares of 10p each in issue (ISIN GB0006389398).


Enquiries:

Nichols plc                                                         01925 222222
John Nichols, Chairman

Brewin Dolphin Securities Limited (Nominated Adviser to
Nichols)                                                           0161 214 5553
Richard Evans

N M Rothschild & Sons Limited (Financial Adviser to Nichols)       0161 827 3800
Richard Bailey

Hudson Sandler (Financial Public Relations Adviser to Nichols)     0207 796 4133
Alistair Mackinnon-Musson


The distribution of this announcement into jurisdictions other than the United
Kingdom may be restricted by law and therefore persons into whose possession
this announcement comes should inform themselves about and observe such
restrictions. Any failure to comply with the restrictions may constitute a
violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.


The Directors of Nichols accept responsibility for the information contained in
this announcement. To the best of knowledge and belief of the Directors, who
have taken all reasonable care to ensure 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.


Brewin Dolphin Securities Limited is acting for Nichols and no one else in
connection with this announcement and will not be responsible to anyone other
than Nichols for providing the protections afforded to clients of Brewin Dolphin
Securities Limited or for providing advice in relation to the contents of this
announcement.


N M Rothschild & Sons Limited is acting for Nichols and no one else in
connection with this announcement and will not be responsible to anyone other
than Nichols for providing the protections afforded to clients of N M Rothschild
& Sons Limited or for providing advice in relation to the contents of this
announcement.



Dealing Disclosure Requirements


Under the provisions of Rule 8.3 of the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the
'Code'), if any person is, or becomes, 'interested' (directly or indirectly) in
1% or more of any class of 'relevant securities' of Nichols, all 'dealings' in
any 'relevant securities' of that company (including by means of an option in
respect of, or a derivative referenced to, any such 'relevant securities') must
be publicly disclosed by no later than 3:30pm (London time) on the London
business day following the date of the relevant transaction. This requirement
will continue until the date on which the offer becomes, or is declared,
unconditional as to acceptances, lapses or is otherwise withdrawn or on which
the 'offer period' otherwise ends. If two or more persons act together pursuant
to an agreement or understanding, whether formal or informal, to acquire an
'interest' in 'relevant securities' of Nichols, they will be deemed to be a
single person for the purpose of Rule 8.3.


Under the provisions of Rule 8.1 of the Code, all 'dealings' in 'relevant
securities' of Nichols by Nichols, or by any of their respective 'associates',
must be disclosed by no later than 12:00 noon (London time) on the London
business day following the date of the relevant transaction.


A disclosure table, giving details of the companies in whose 'relevant
securities' 'dealings' should be disclosed, and the number of such securities in
issue, can be found on the Takeover Panel's website at
www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.


'Interests in securities' arise, in summary, when a person has long economic
exposure, whether conditional or absolute, to changes in the price of
securities. In particular, a person will be treated as having an 'interest' by
virtue of the ownership or control of securities, or by the virtue of any option
in respect of, or derivative referenced to, securities.


Terms in quotation marks are defined in the Code, which can also be found on the
Panel's website. If you are in any doubt as to whether or not you are required
to disclose a 'dealing' under Rule 8, you should consult the Panel.




                      This information is provided by RNS
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