Announcements

RB Press release - 29/09/1999
Proposed merger of Reckitt & Colman and Benckiser Extension of Offer Period

The Boards of Reckitt & Colman plc and Benckiser NV announce that the closing date of the Offer by Reckitt Benckiser Holdings B.V., a subsidiary of Reckitt & Colman, for Benckiser B shares has been further extended from 30th September, 1999 until 17 November 1999. The extension is necessary because the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States has not yet concluded its review of the merger.

Reckitt & Colman and Benckiser made their original submission to the FTC on 30 July, shortly after the announcement of the merger. In the course of September, the FTC indicated concern about the overlap (between Reckitt & Colman and Benckiser) involving two non-core brands in two categories in the US, representing approximately one half of one per cent. of the combined revenues of the enlarged group.

A formal sale process is well under way with a view to concluding a disposal of the brands. However, it is not yet possible to say when the terms of a consent decree can be agreed with the FTC.

A further announcement will be made as soon as it is clear when completion of the merger can take place. Although the Offer has been extended until 17 November 1999, the Offer Period may be closed on three days' notice by Reckitt Benckiser Holdings B.V. by an announcement to that effect.

These materials relate to the Offer and are not an extension of a tender offer in the United States or to any US person for any class of equity securities in Benckiser. The Offer will not be made, directly or indirectly, in, or by use of any means of instrumentally of interstate commerce or of the mails, or of any facility of any national securities exchange of, the United States (including its possessions or territories, any area subject to its jurisdiction and any political subdivision thereof) or to any US person and cannot be accepted by any such use or otherwise from within the United States or by any US person. Any purported acceptance of the Offer involving, directly or indirectly, any such means, instrumentality, mails or facility or otherwise from within the United States or by any US person will be deemed invalid.

None of the securities offered as consideration will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"). Accordingly, such securities may not be offered, sold or delivered in the United States or to US persons, unless an exemption from the registration requirements of the Act is available.

This announcement and related materials do not constitute an offer of Reckitt & Colman Shares.

For further information:

David Saltmarsh 44 1753 746676
Company Secretary
Reckitt & Colman plc

Tom Corran 31 20 405 7534
SVP Corporate Communications
Benckiser N.V.

Bobby Leach 44 171 905 2537
Shandwick
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