Final Results - Year Ended 31 December 1999

Reckitt Benckiser PLC
15 March 2000



1999 Preliminary Results in Line
Merger on track.  25% earnings growth targeted for 2000

Commenting today, Bart Becht, Chief Executive Officer, said

'The merger is completely on track and we are very optimistic about
2000.  We believe we can accelerate net revenue growth in 2000 to 5%
at constant exchange rates. We have a new strategic focus, more new
innovations, many regional roll-out opportunities and significant
funds to invest behind them.  In 2000 we will increase media
investment to 10% of net revenues, fulfilling a merger promise.
Growth in profit after tax, we believe, can be accelerated to 25% this
year at constant exchange, as we turn the business back to growth and
capture the first £38m tranche of profit enhancement from the merger.
Finally we will target to reduce net working capital by £100m this
year, major progress on another merger target.  In summary, we are
confident that 2000 will be a year of progress and accelerated growth
for Reckitt Benckiser.'

Details of the 1999 results are as follows:

*1999 net revenues and normalised earnings in line with December
trading update.  Growth in most regions and categories, offset by
planned reversal of trade loading and by exchange rates.
-1999 net revenues of £3,054m (+1% at constant exchange).
-1999 Operating profit normalised of £357m.
-1999 normalised profit before tax of £289m.
-1999 normalised profit after tax of £200m is the base for future
growth.
*1999 charges of £220m for merger reorganisation reflect the total
programme, and will yield annual savings of £160m a year by end 2001.
In addition merger costs of £38m related to direct transaction costs.
*The Board is recommending a final dividend of 12.8 pence to give a
full year level of 25.5 pence, unchanged on the previous year.

Contact

Tom Corran
SVP Investor & Corporate Communications tel  [phone]
Reckitt Benckiser plc                   fax  [phone]

Bobby Leach
Shandwick                               tel  + 44 171 329 0096

Detailed Operating Review

Net Revenues

Net revenues declined by 1.2% to £3,054m in 1999, reflecting growth in
most of the Company's markets and categories, more than offset by
adverse exchange rates, particularly relative to the Euro and Latin
American and African currencies, and the planned reversal of previous
trade loading at financial period ends.  At constant exchange rates,
net revenues would have been 1% ahead of 1998.  Net revenues for both
1998 and 1999 exclude sales of certain distributed but non-owned
brands.

Geographical Analysis

Western Europe.  Net revenues rose by 1% to £1,367m fuelled by growth
in the UK and Spain, offset by the reversal of trade loading in 1998
and the weakness of the Euro.  At constant exchange rates, net revenue
growth was 3%.  Across the region, the main engines of growth were
Dishwashing, behind the success of the Powerball launch, and Fabric
Care, with continuing success for laundry and fabric treatment tabs.
Air Care sales rose due to the roll-out of electrical products.
Health & Personal Care saw strong growth in depilatories and Lemsip
cold/flu benefited from the severe flu season.  A number of products
in non-core categories suffered significant reductions in sales.
Profitability was adversely affected by an adverse mix in sales, and
by disruption in supply following the closure of the Garnay factory in
France, and the transfer of production to the UK.  Translation into
sterling also affected profits.  As a result, operating profit in the
region declined by 3% to £254.6m, 2% lower at constant exchange rates.

North America.  Net revenues rose by 1% to £877.1m and operating
profit was £92.4m, 21% behind last year.  At constant exchange rates,
net revenues would have been 1% down.  Growth in Surface Care, Fabric
Care and Food was offset by the planned reversal of previous trade
loading, and lower insecticide sales.  Lysol disinfectant spray
continued to grow net revenues in 1999 despite a well supported rival
launch.  Lysol lavatory care also showed good growth behind its
'Continuous Action' product.  Fabric Care growth benefited from the
launch of Resolve Fabric Refresher, while d-Con pest control sales
declined due to a poor season.  Food grew behind continued success for
Cattlemen's and RedHot Sauce.  Operating profit was impacted by trade
de-loading and by marketing increases, particularly for Lysol.

Latin America.  Net revenues declined by 25% to £198.1m, primarily as
a result of the devaluation of local currencies.  At constant exchange
rates, the decline would have been 3%.  Profit margins dropped as
sales in devalued local currencies were matched with a substantial
proportion of cost of goods fixed in US dollars.  Profitability also
declined due to lower sales, one time write offs in Mexico, and
translation into sterling.  As a result, operating profit in the
region declined by 87% to £4.5m.  However underlying market shares for
all key franchises across the region were stable or modestly growing.
Surface care market shares in Brazil were up behind the introduction
of Lysol in this key market.

Asia Pacific.  Net revenues rose by 7% (6% at constant exchange) to
£320.8m driven by growth in Australia, China and India.  In Australia,
growth came from a full year contribution from Napisan fabric
treatment, growth from disinfectant cleaner Pine-O-Cleen behind the
roll-out of 'Shower and Go', and growth in electrical and aromatherapy
products in air care.  This was offset by a significant decline in non-
core categories and a fall in pest control sales due to a
disappointing season.  In India, growth came from pest control, behind
the continuing success of Mortein coils and mats, and from Dettol,
particularly soaps.  Growth continued to be rapid in China, helped by
the roll-out of Dosia laundry detergent.  Profitability was affected
by higher marketing costs for insecticides in China and India, for
Dettol in India, and by higher cost of goods not offset by increased
prices in India.  As a result, operating profit declined by 41% to
£5.7m.

Rest of World. Net revenues declined by 6% to £291.4m, but at constant
exchange rates would be unchanged.  Underlying growth in Eastern
Europe was offset by declines in Middle East and Africa.  In Eastern
Europe strong growth was seen particularly in Poland, while
profitability increased as a result of a strong turnaround in Russia
and significant increases in gross margin across the region.  In
Middle East/Africa, the two key markets of South Africa and Pakistan
saw lower sales, for economic and trade de-loading reasons.
Profitability was sharply lower in both.  As a result, operating
profit for Rest of World was £18.2m, 11% lower than in 1998.

Category Review

Core Household Business in aggregate grew net revenues by 1% to
£2,623.9m.

Fabric Care net revenues rose by 4% to £808.9m, due to the success of
fabric treatment, continuing growth for Calgon in Europe and to the
success of laundry detergent tablets, particularly in private label
supply.  Fabric treatment benefited from the successful roll-out of
Vanish booster tablets, a full year of Napisan booster in Australia
and Italy, and the successful roll-out of Vanish carpet cleaners
across Eastern Europe. In addition the roll-out of Resolve fabric
refresher in North America, South Africa and Australia added to
growth.

Surface Care net revenues declined by 4% to £698.3m, primarily due to
the planned reversal of prior year's trade loading across regions.
Despite this, Lysol increased total sales in the USA helped by the
launch of the all purpose trigger spray, a full twelve months of the
daily shower cleaner, and consumer focus on the disinfectant spray
category where heavy promotion in the face of competitive activity
fuelled very strong category growth.  Lysol toilet bowl cleaner had a
strong year with its 'Continuous Action' product.  The launch of Pine-
O-Cleen 'Shower & Go' has consolidated its leadership position in this
category in Australia.

Dishwashing net revenues grew by 7% to £421.7m, due to the outstanding
success of the Powerball tablet launch in Europe.  The company again
increased its share of the world automatic dishwashing market and is
now around a 38% share, almost double the nearest competitor.
Powerball tablets fuelled record market shares in France, Netherlands
and the UK, and gave Calgonit market leadership for the first time at
the end of the year in Portugal.  In the USA, Electrasol has launched
double action powder, a major revitalisation of its basic powder
detergent range.  Sales of dishwashing products rose in every major
market.

Home Care net revenues declined by 8% to £303.5m, due primarily to
planned reversal of trade loading and to exchange rates. Air care
sales grew due to Wizard candle air fresheners in the USA, the roll-
out of liquid electrical products in Europe, and a strong year in
Australia.  Pest control sales were lower for a number of special
factors. In the USA, d-Con suffered from comparison with a
particularly strong 1998.  In Australia, a cold start to the summer
held back sales, although the new 'insect seeking' product, launched
late in the year, has been well received.  Mortein coils and mat have
continued their major success in India.  Sales in Brazil were impacted
by economic conditions, exacerbated on translation into sterling.

Health & Personal Care net revenues rose by 3% to £391.5m, with strong
performance by depilatories, by Dettol in Asia, and by over-the-
counter medicines.  Depilatory sales, as Immac in UK and Veet in
Continental Europe, rose strongly in virtually all markets although in
France they were affected by a competitive launch.  Dettol had another
strong year in India, particularly with soaps. The 'flu epidemic' in
the UK boosted over-the-counter sales towards the year end, on top of
the strong underlying growth of Lemsip Max Strength, and the highly
successful launch of the Lemsip Antibacterial Lozenge for sore
throats.

Other Household consists of brands, products and businesses held for
disposal, plus non-core business such as institutional sales,
categories and miscellaneous brands outside the core categories listed
above.  Net revenues for Other Household declined by 18% to £250.7m,
primarily due to sharp declines in non-core categories in Europe,
North America and Australia.

Food net revenues grew by 2% to £179.8m (+1% at constant exchange).
Strong sales growth was seen for Cattlemen's and Frank's Red Hot
sauces.  Operating profit, after planned reversal of trade loading and
increased marketing investment, was £38.7m, 7% below last year.

Gross Margin Cost of goods rose by 1% to £1,562.1m giving a gross
margin of 48.9% (1998 : 50.1%).   Gross profit was £1,492.3m, 4% below
the previous year as a result of the small fall in net revenues, and
the decline in gross margins.  This fall in margins was caused by the
mismatch in currencies in Latin America and Middle East & Africa,
where costs were frequently incurred in hard currencies against
revenues in weaker, local currencies.  Gross margins were slightly
lower in Europe due to higher trade spending and higher freight costs
partly arising from disruption to supply.  However gross margins in
North America and Eastern Europe improved significantly.

Net Operating Costs (excluding merger and other reorganisation costs)
rose by 1% to £1,135m, mainly due to higher marketing costs. These
were incurred principally in increased investment behind Lysol in the
USA against a well supported competitor launch.  Media investment rose
by 8% to £281m, in line with the strategy announced at the time of the
merger to increase this behind core categories and new initiatives by
25% by 2001.

Merger & Other Reorganisation Costs amounted to £220m in 1999, charged
to operating profit but separately identified in the segmental
analysis.  These costs include the previously announced 'Back on
Track' reorganisation, launched by Reckitt & Colman ahead of the
merger announcement, and the post-merger reorganisation.  Costs
charged relate to the following: commercial reorganisation, with
accompanying compensation for loss of employment, in overlapping in-
market organisations in Western Europe, North America and
Australia/New Zealand; merging of purchasing and global supply
functions, together with a major reorganisation of procurement; and
the rationalisation of head offices in the Netherlands and UK.   The
cash element of these charges is expected to be £175m, to be expensed
substantially in 2000.

Operating Profit.  After merger reorganisation costs, operating profit
for 1999 was £137.3m.  Excluding reorganisation costs, normalised
operating profit was 17% lower at £357.3m (15% lower at constant
exchange rates) compared to £429.7m in1998.

Merger Transaction Costs were £38.1m, consisting of professional fees
disbursed by the two parties to the merger for legal, investment
banking, broking and communications, together with direct costs
incurred in printing, in advertising and in shareholder meetings.

Other Non-Operating Items.  Profit on disposal of businesses of £20.5m
relates mainly to the disposal of two brands, Scrub Free and Delicare
in North America.  Profit on disposal of tangible fixed assets of
£1.4m relates to minor property disposals in the year.

Net Interest.  Interest payable less receivable on the Company's
outstanding net borrowings (borrowings less cash deposits and short
term investments) was £50.3m.   In addition, an £18.3m coupon was
payable on the convertible capital bond.

Profit before tax was £52.5m.  Excluding one-off charges for merger
reorganisation and transaction costs, and non-operating items,
normalised profit before tax was £288.7m, 20% below the equivalent
figure for 1998 of £360.3m (18% lower at constant exchange rates).

Tax.  The tax on profit for the year was £89m, an underlying rate of
31% on the normalised profit before tax of £288.7m.  Any partial
offset to taxable income from the merger reorganisation costs of £220m
has not been recognised in the 1999 accounts as the timing is
uncertain.

Profit after tax.  There was a loss for the year of £36.5m due to the
costs of merger reorganisation and merger transaction.  Normalised
profit for the financial year (excluding these one-off costs and other
non-operating items) was £199.5m, 21% below the equivalent figure for
1998 of £251.0m (18% lower at constant exchange).

Cash Flow.  Cash flow from operating activities (excluding merger
transaction costs) was £445.6m helped by a £27.2m reduction in working
capital.  Interest paid was £72.5m and tax paid was £50.2m.  Capital
expenditure was £107.6m offset by proceeds on disposal of net assets
of £34.9m.  As a result, net cash flow arising from ordinary
operations (defined as cash flow from operations less interest, tax
and capital expenditures) was £250.2m, an increase on the equivalent
figure of £218.2m for 1998 primarily due to lower tax paid.

Out of this, the Company financed equity dividends paid of £180.3m and
merger transaction costs of £37.8m.   Including the net costs of
acquiring businesses in the year of £2.6m, the resulting net cash
inflow was £29.5m.

Balance Sheet & Financing.  At the end of 1999, the Group had fixed
assets of £2,050.3m (1998 £1991.4m), and net current assets (excluding
borrowings, cash deposits and short term investments) of £107.2m (1998
£105.6m).  Long term liabilities, other than borrowings, were £97.6m
(1998 £39.9m), and provisions for liabilities and charges, boosted by
the merger reorganisation costs, were £361.6m (1998 £235.6m).  The
total capital employed, therefore, was £1,698.3m (1998 £1,821.5m).
This capital was provided by net borrowings of £541.5m (£584.7m),
outstanding convertible bonds of £194.4m (£194.5m), shareholders funds
of £944.4m (£1,021.9m), and £18m (£20.4m)  attributable to minority
shareholders.

Gross borrowings (excluding convertible bonds) consisted of £734.6m
(1998 £932.2m), of which £309m (1998 £315m) was payable within one
year, and £425.6m (1998 £617.2m) was long term borrowings.  Cash and
short term investments amounted to £193.1m (£347.5m).  Net borrowings
at the year end, including convertible bonds as borrowings, were
£735.9m (1998 £779.2m).

Interest cover on a normalised basis was 5.2x (1998 6.2x).  Net
Borrowings represented 43% of capital employed treating convertible
bonds as borrowings, a ratio unchanged compared to 1998.  Net
Borrowings to equity ratio was 78% at the year end, compared to 76% in
1998.

Earnings per Share.  Details of the calculation of earnings per share
are contained in the accompanying notes to the Profit & Loss Account.
These take account of the holding of JAB in 'A' shares in Reckitt
Benckiser Holdings BV.

Dividends on ordinary shares.  The Board is recommending a final
dividend for the year of 12.8 pence a share.  Together with the
interim already paid of  12.7 pence, this gives a proposed total for
the year of 25.5 pence, unchanged from last year.  This reflects the
policy, announced at the time of the merger, of maintaining the
dividend in absolute terms until cover reaches the average of the
industry peer group.  The dividend for 1999 is uncovered, but on a
normalised basis would be covered 1.3 times by profit for the year.
The ex-dividend date will be March 27, with a record date of March 31,
and the dividend will be paid, subject to approval at the AGM, on May
24.

Notes

Constant exchange rates is taken as the average rates for 1999 for
major currencies such as the Euro and US $, but in the case of
hyperinflationary countries, the rates used are projected average
annual rates.

Normalised is taken to exclude all merger and other reorganisation
costs, merger transaction costs, and non-operating items such as
profit on disposal of businesses or fixed assets.


There will be an investor briefing today (15th March) at 0930.  The
slides and text of this will be available on the Company's internet
web site later on today.  (www.reckittbenckiser.com).

The Company at a Glance


                               1999             1998
                                 £m               £m
                                                    
Net revenues                3,054.4          3,091.7
Net revenues growth            (1.2)%             -
Gross margin                   48.9%            50.1%
EBITDA adjusted               456.3            502.1
EBITDA margin                 
adjusted                       14.9%            16.2%
EBIT adjusted                 357.3            429.7
EBIT margin                    11.7%            13.9%
adjusted
EPS adjusted                   29.3p            37.1p
EPS adjusted,                
diluted                        29.0p            36.2p

                                                    
Group profit and loss account
For the year ended 31 December 1999





                                                    1999        1998
                                                      £m          £m
-------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------
Net revenues (continuing operations)             3,054.4     3,091.7
                                                                    
Cost of sales                                   (1,562.1)   (1,542.1)
-------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------
Gross profit                                     1,492.3     1,549.6
Net operating expenses (including Year 2000                         
costs)                                          (1,355.0)   (1,119.9)
                                                                    
-------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------
Operating profit:                                                   
Continuing operations before reorganisation                         
and merger integration costs                       357.3       429.7
Reorganisation and merger integration costs       (220.0)         -
Operating profit (continuing operations)                            
                                                                    
Non-operating items:                               137.3       429.7
Merger transaction expenses (continuing                             
operations)                                        (38.1)         -
Profit/(loss) on disposal of businesses                             
(discontinued operations)                           20.5        (7.0)
Profit on disposal of tangible fixed assets                         
(continuing operations)                              1.4         5.7
-------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------
Profit on ordinary activities before                                
interest                                           121.1       428.4
Interest payable less receivable                   (50.3)      (51.0)
Coupon on convertible capital bonds                (18.3)      (18.4)
-------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------
Profit on ordinary activities before                                
taxation                                            52.5       359.0
Tax on profit on ordinary activities               (89.0)     (109.4)
-------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------
(Loss)/profit on ordinary activities after                          
taxation                                          (36.5)       249.6
Attributable to equity minority interests            -          (2.1)
Dividends on preference shares                     (0.2)        (0.2)
-------------------------------------------   ----------  ----------
(Loss)/profit for the year                        (36.7)       247.3
Ordinary dividends                               (153.4)      (126.5)
-------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------
Retained (loss)/profit for the financial                            
year                                             (190.1)       120.8
-------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------
Earnings per ordinary share:                                        
On profit for the year                             (5.4)p       36.9p
On profit for the year, diluted                    (5.4)p       36.0p
On adjusted profit, diluted                         29.0p       36.2p

Group balance sheet
as at 31 December 1999



                                                  1999        1998
                                                    £m          £m
-----------------------------------------  -----------   ---------
Fixed assets:                                                     
Intangible assets                              1,536.7     1,431.1
Tangible assets                                  513.6       560.3
-----------------------------------------  -----------  ----------
                                               2,050.3     1,991.4
-----------------------------------------  -----------  ----------
Current assets:                                                   
Stocks                                           243.0       242.0
Debtors due within one year                      598.1       660.9
Debtors due after more than one year             139.1       134.1
Investments                                      104.6       277.2
Cash at bank and in hand                          88.5        70.3
-----------------------------------------  -----------  ----------
                                               1,173.3     1,384.5
-----------------------------------------  -----------  ----------
                                                  
Current liabilities:                                              
Creditors due within one year:                                    
Borrowings                                     (309.0)     (315.0)
Other                                          (873.0)     (931.4)
-----------------------------------------  -----------  ----------
                                                           
                                             (1,182.0)   (1,246.4)
-----------------------------------------  -----------  ----------
                                                        
Net current (liabilities)/assets                 (8.7)      138.1
-----------------------------------------  -----------  ----------
                                                            
Total assets less current liabilities         2,041.6     2,129.5
=========================================  ===========  ==========
                                                      
Non-current liabilities:                                          
Creditors due after more than one year:                           
Borrowings                                       425.6       617.2
Other                                             97.6        39.9
Convertible capital bonds                        194.4       194.5
-----------------------------------------  -----------  ----------
                                                           
                                                 717.6       851.6
                                                                  
Provisions for liabilities and charges           361.6       235.6
Equity minority interests                         18.0        20.4
-----------------------------------------   ----------  ----------
                                                         
                                               1,097.2     1,107.6
-----------------------------------------  -----------  ----------
                                                          
Capital and reserves:                                             
Called up share capital (including non-           69.9        67.5
equity capital of £4.5m)                           7.7         7.7
Shares to be issued                              145.2       141.6
Share premium account                            148.1        23.6
Merger reserve                                   573.5       781.5
Profit and loss account
-----------------------------------------  -----------  ----------
                                                           
Total shareholders' funds (including non-            
equity shareholders' funds of £4.5m)             944.4     1,021.9
-----------------------------------------  ------ -----  ----------
                                                            
                                               2,041.6     2,129.5
=========================================   ==========  ==========
                                                          

Group cash flow statement
For the year ended 31 December 1999


                                           1999      1999     1998     1998
                                             £m        £m       £m       £m
----------------------------------    ---------- ------      -----  -------
Operating activities:                                                      
Operating profit                                    137.3             429.7
Non-cash items:                                                            
Depreciation and amortisation                        99.0              72.4
Reorganisation and merger                           159.1               -
integration provisions                               23.0              13.0
Other non-cash      movements                       (15.3)            (18.1)
Increase in stocks                                  (10.9)            (69.9)
Increase in debtors                                  53.4              48.6
Increase in creditors                               (37.8)              -
Merger transaction expenses paid
----------------------------------    ----------    -----   ------  -------
Cash flow from operating                            407.8             475.7
activities                                                                 
                                                                           
Return on investments and                                                  
servicing of finance                                (72.5)            (73.9)
                                                                           
Taxation                                            (50.2)            (99.1)
                                                                  
Capital expenditure:                                              
Purchase of tangible fixed assets        (107.6)           (111.4)
Disposal of tangible fixed assets          34.9              26.9
----------------------------------     ---------   ------   ------  -------
                                                    (72.7)           (84.5)
Acquisitions and disposals:                                       
Acquisition of businesses                  (4.9)           (140.8)
Disposal of businesses                      2.3               8.7
--------------------------------      ----------  -------   ------  -------
                                                     (2.6)          (132.1)
                                                                           
Equity dividends paid                              (180.3)          (108.8)
---------------------------------    -----------  -------  -------  -------
Cash inflow/(outflow) before use                                           
of liquid resources and financing                    29.5            (22.7)
                                                                           
Management of liquid resources                                             
                                                    169.1             22.1
Financing                                                                  
                                                   (197.6)             5.1
--------------------------------      ----------  -------  -------   ------
Increase in cash in year                              1.0              4.5
===============================       ========== ========  =======  =======
                                                                           
                                                                           
Operating cash flow (excluding                                             
merger transaction expenses)                        445.6            475.7
Returns on investments and                                                 
servicing of finance                                (72.5)           (73.9)
Taxation                                            (50.2)           (99.1)
Capital expenditure                                 (72.7)           (84.5)
---------------------------------    -----------  -------   ------   ------
Net cash flow from ordinary                                                
operations                                          250.2            218.2
================================     ===========  =======   ======  =======

Management uses net cash flow from ordinary operations as a
performance measure.

Included in cash flows from operating activities are cash flows in
respect of Year 2000 costs of £24.8m (1998, £30.0m) and in
respect of reorganisation and merger integration costs of £33.9m
(1998, £3.2m).

Segmental Analysis

Analyses by geographical area and product segment of net revenues and
operating  profit  are  set out below.   The  figures  for  each
geographic  area  show  the  net  revenue  and  profit  made  by
companies located in that area.

Net revenues and operating profit - by geographical area

                         Net Revenues    Operating Profit   Operating Margin
---------------------- -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ---------
                          1999     1998     1999     1998     1999       1998
                            £m       £m       £m       £m        %          %
Western Europe         1,367.0  1,352.9    254.6    262.6     18.6       19.4
North America            877.1    868.4     92.4    116.3     10.5       13.4
Latin America            198.1    263.1      4.5     35.8      2.3       13.6
Asia Pacific             320.8    298.7      5.7      9.7      1.8        3.2
Rest of World            291.4    308.6     18.2     20.5      6.2        6.6
Corporate/Elimination      -        -      (18.1)   (15.2)     -          -
Reorganisation and                                                           
merger integration                                                           
costs                      -        -     (220.0)     -        -          -
---------------------- -------   ------  -------  -------  -------  ---------
                       3,054.4  3,091.7    137.3    429.7      4.5       13.9
======================  ======  =======  =======  =======  =======  =========

The net revenues figures represent the sales made to third-party customers by
geographical origin.  Sales to other members of the Group in other
geographical areas are not material.

Net revenues and operating profit - by product segment

                                                                             
                         Net Revenues    Operating Profit   Operating Margin
---------------------  -------  -------   ------  -------   --------  -------
                          1999     1998     1999     1998       1999     1998
                            £m       £m       £m       £m          %        %
Household and Health &                                                       
Personal Care          2,874.6  2,914.6    336.7    403.3       11.7     13.8
Food                     179.8    177.1     38.7     41.6       21.5     23.5
Corporate/Elimination      -        -      (18.1)   (15.2)       -        -
Merger Reorganisation                                                        
Costs                      -        -     (220.0)     -          -        -
                                                                             
---------------------  -------   ------  -------   ------  ---------   ------
                       3,054.4  3,091.7    137.3    429.7       4.5      13.9
=====================   ======  =======  =======   ======   ========   ======

Segmental analyses have been prepared for operating profit as the directors
consider these to be more meaningful than analyses based on profit before
tax.

Additional information - Net revenues by product segment

                                           Net Revenues
--------------------    ------------------------   -------------------------
                                            1999                        1998
                                              £m                          £m
Fabric Care                                808.9                       777.2
Surface Care                               698.3                       725.2
Dishwashing                                421.7                       395.6
Home Care                                  303.5                       329.9
Health & Personal                          391.5                       381.4
Care
--------------------    ------------------------    ------------------------
Core Business                            2,623.9                     2,609.3
Other Household                            250.7                       305.3
--------------------     -----------------------     -----------------------
Total Household and                                                         
Health & Personal                                                           
Care                                     2,874.6                     2,914.6
===================      =======================     =======================




Earnings per ordinary share



The reconciliations between profit for the financial year and the weighted
average number of shares used in the calculations of the fully diluted
earnings per share are set out below:
                                  1999                       1998
                        (Loss)   Average    Earni    Profit   Average   Ear
                         for the number     ngs per  for the  number    nings
                         year    of         share    year     of        per   
                         £m      shares     pence    £m       shares    pence 
              
---------------------   ------  ----------  -----  -----   ----------  -----
Loss)/profit                                                                
attributable to                                                             
shareholders            (36.7) 679,254,788  (5.4)  247.3  670,114,346   36.9
Dilution for                                                         
Executive options                                                    
outstanding               -                          -     11,576,489
Dilution                                                             
for Employee Sharesave                                               
Scheme                                                               
options outstanding       -                          -       721,484
Dilution for                                                         
Convertible capital                                                  
bonds outstanding*        -                        12.7    39,233,910
---------------------   ------   ---------  -----  -----   ----------  -----
On a diluted basis      (36.7) 679,254,788  (5.4) 260.0   721,646,229   36.0
=====================   ====== ===========  =====  =====  ===========  =====

*After the appropriate tax adjustment, the profit for 1998 represents the
coupon on convertible capital bonds.  The earnings per share impact reflects
the effect of that profit and the assumption of the issue of shares on
conversion of bonds.

The impact of the convertible capital bonds and share options have not been
included in the 1999 diluted earnings per share calculation above, as in
accordance with FRS 14 the impact was not dilutive.

The reconciliations of profit for the year and earnings per share on the
shares in issue between unadjusted and adjusted EPS calculation bases are as
follows:
                               1999                          1998
----------------     -------------------------      ----------------------
                      (Loss)/   Average    Ear    Profit   Average    Ear
                       profit   Number of  nings  for      Number     nings
                          for   Shares     per    the      of         per
                     the year              share  year     shares     share
                     £m                    Pence  £m                  Pence
-----------------    --------  ----------  -----  -----    ---------  ------
Basic EPS              (36.7) 679,254,788  (5.4)  247.3  670,114,346   36.9
Reorganisation,                                                             
merger integration                                                          
costs and non                                                               
operating items         236.2              34.7     1.3                 0.2
Taxation including                                                          
deferred taxation)       (0.2)              -       0.1                 -
                        199.3 679,254,788  29.3   248.7  670,114,346   37.1
Impact of dilution        -     7,566,735   -      12.7   51,531,883    -
-----------------    --------  ----------  -----  -----   ----------  ------
On an adjusted,                                                             
diluted basis           199.3 686,821,523  29.0   261.4  721,646,229   36.2

The Directors believe that a diluted earnings per ordinary share, adjusted
for the distorting effects of non-operating items and exceptional costs
(i.e. reorganisation and merger integration costs) after the appropriate tax
amount, provides the most meaningful measure of earnings per ordinary share
in comparing the performance of the business over time.

Five times the number of Reckitt Benckiser Holdings B.V. 'A' shares have
been included in the calculations of the weighted average number of shares,
in order to present the effect of the shareholders' agreement, under the
terms of which the position of the holder of the Reckitt Benckiser Holdings
B.V. 'A' shares is in substance the same as if it held five new Reckitt
Benckiser shares for every Reckitt Benckiser Holdings B.V.'A' share held.

Similarly, five times the number of outstanding Benckiser N.V. 'B' shares
have been included in the calculations of the weighted average number of
shares, as it is expected that these shares will be converted into Reckitt
Benckiser shares in due course.