Directorate/Trading Stmnt

API Group PLC
10 July 2000


                  API Group Board Changes and Current Trading

The Board of API Group plc announces that Michael Smith, Chief Executive, has
left the Company.  The Board thanks him for his contribution to API Group over
the last 8 years.   Moger Woolley, currently Non-executive Chairman, becomes
Executive Chairman for an interim period until a new Chief Executive is
appointed.

The trading performance of API Group has deteriorated since the interim
results announcement on 22nd May, with the third quarter's profits being below
those of last year, leading the Board to believe that profits for the full
year will be below last year's.  The weakness of the euro continues to have an
adverse impact on profitability and recent increases in raw material prices
are putting further pressure on margins.

API Group's balance sheet remains strong with minimal gearing and the Board
believes that the longer-term outlook for the Company remains favourable.  The
Board expects, in the absence of unforeseen circumstances, to recommend at
least a maintained final dividend in respect of the current financial year.
In addition, at the AGM in February, shareholders gave authority for the
Company to buy-back up to 10% of its issued share capital. The Board will
consider opportunities for the Company to purchase its own shares in the next
few months if such purchases can be made at prices which are clearly earnings
enhancing.

                                                                              
Enquiries

Moger Woolley, Chairman (via Financial Dynamics)  020 72697186
Dennis Holt, Group Finance Director
Richard Mountain, Financial Dynamics

Nicholas Donaldson, Credit Lyonnais Securities    020 75884000
Shaun Dobson, Credit Lyonnais Securities          020 75884000