Announcements

RB Press release - 27/08/1999
Results of Extraordinary General Meeting

Both resolutions for proposed merger with Benckiser N.V. approved by Reckitt & Colman shareholders

At the Extraordinary General Meeting of Reckitt & Colman held today, both the ordinary resolutions set out in the circular to shareholders dated 11 August 1999 were passed thereby giving consent to the merger between Reckitt & Colman and Benckiser.

The first closing date for the offer for Benckiser B shares will be on 8 September 1999. As set out in full in the documentation sent to shareholders on 11 August 1999 the offer is conditional upon, amongst other things, the relevant merger regulation consents from the European Commission and the relevant authorities in the United States.

Alan Dalby, Chairman of Reckitt & Colman commented:

"We are very pleased to receive shareholder approval for the merger of Reckitt & Colman and Benckiser. We see a major opportunity for the creation of value and long term growth, for a group with global scale. This is an excellent combination of two complementary businesses."