Stmnt Re Press Speculation

SAINSBURY (J) PLC
11 October 1999

                            
      J Sainsbury plc ('Sainsbury or the Company')



The Board of J Sainsbury plc notes recent press
speculation concerning its future independence.  It
categorically denies it is seeking a merger partner or
buyers for the Company.

The strategy of the Board of Sainsbury is to maximise
shareholder value by restoring the performance of the UK
supermarkets' business whilst maintaining the strong
growth evident in the US supermarket division and
Homebase.


Press Enquiries

J Sainsbury plc               Dominic Fry
0171 695 6593

Brunswick Public Relations Ltd     Andrew Grant
0171 404 5959