Disposal

Cookson Group PLC
20 March 2001



           COOKSON GROUP SELLS NON-CORE MAGNESIA CHEMICALS BUSINESS

Cookson Group plc ('Cookson'), the international materials technology company,
has completed the sale of its magnesia chemicals business to Premier Chemicals
L.L.C. for a cash consideration of US$30.75 million (£21.5 million).

The magnesia chemicals business was originally part of Premier Refractories
Inc., acquired by Cookson in 1999, and its operations were non-core to the
Group's enlarged refractories business. The proceeds from the disposal will be
used to reduce Group debt.



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