B share scheme redemption

Sainsbury(J) PLC
19 January 2006

19 January 2006


B share scheme elections and redemption of B shares


The registrars have notified J Sainsbury plc of the number of B shares redeemed
on 18 January 2006.



•      9,277,339 B shares (representing 0.48% of the total number of
       B shares issued) were redeemed on 18 January 2006.

•      34,418,255 B shares (representing 1.77% 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]
Lynda Ashton                            Pip Wood





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 2006

2.                  The next date on which outstanding B shares may be redeemed
is 18 July 2006. Redemption Notices to be received by the Company's registrar by
30 June 2006.

3.                  1,943,173,266 B shares were issued on 19 July 2004.

4.                  The Company will redeem all B shares remaining in issue on
18 July 2007.




                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange