B Share Redemption

Sainsbury(J) PLC
19 January 2005

19 January 2005


B share scheme elections and redemption of B shares

The registrars have notified J Sainsbury plc of the B share redemption figures
for the redemption on 18 January 2005.
          
•    54,395,702 B shares (representing 2.80% of the total number of B shares 
     issued) have been redeemed on 18 January 2005.

•    61,615,844 B shares (representing 3.17% of the total number of B shares      
     issued), remain outstanding to be redeemed in the future on 18 January or 
     18 July in each calendar year until 18 July 2007.

Enquiries:

Investor Relations                        Media
[phone]                      [phone]
Roger Matthews                            Pip Wood
Lynda Ashton

Notes:

1.   Payments in respect of B shares redeemed yesterday have been settled
     through the CREST system or, for certificated holders, cheques were 
     despatched on 18 January 2005

2.   The next date on which outstanding B shares may be redeemed is 18 July 
     2005. Redemption Notices to be received by the Company's registrar by
     30 June 2005.

3.   1,943,173,266 B shares were issued on 19 July 2004.
     
4.   The Company shall be obliged to redeem all B shares remaining in issue on 
     18 July 2007.


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