Divisional Appointments

Ascot PLC
17 July 2000


Contact         Howard Dyer, Executive Chairman
                Ascot Plc                                020 7815 0805

                David Bick / Mike Crofts
                Holborn Public Relations                 020 7929 5599
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                                ASCOT PLC

             Appointment of Divisional Managing Directors

Ascot Plc is further strengthening its senior executive team with the
appointments of Michael Evans as Managing Director of its Fine Chemicals
division and Stephen Woodbridge as Managing Director of its Speciality
Chemicals division.

Michael Evans trained as a biochemist at Oxford University where he received
the Gibbs Prize in Biochemistry for the top First Class Honours degree in
1980.  He received  his doctorate in 1984 and began his professional career as
a senior development scientist at Beecham Pharmaceuticals, moving to Amersham
Life Science (now part of Nycomed Amersham) in 1987.  

In a 13-year career at Nycomed Amersham Dr Evans progressed through various
senior research, business development and marketing roles culminating in his
appointment as Vice President of Drug Discovery, Amersham Pharmacia Biotech,
and a member of Amersham Pharmacia Biotech's Executive Committee.  In that
role he was responsible for the company's life science research products and
drug discovery business which totalled £370 million of reported 1999 sales. He
also oversaw the integration into Amersham Pharmacia Biotech of the $250
million Californian company, Molecular Dynamics Inc.

The appointment of Michael Evans is a significant step in the development of
Ascot's Fine Chemicals Division.  In particular, his experience in the life
sciences field, including the commercialisation of cutting edge technology,
will be of great value to Mitchell Cotts Chemicals and in building the product
pipeline of ChiroTech, Ascot's world leading chiral technology business.

Stephen Woodbridge has been Head of Special Operations at Ascot since November
1997 and has managed its Speciality Chemicals division since December 1998,
overseeing the successful integration of the Haltermann Group. Under his
management, Ascot Speciality Chemicals has shown exceptional business
performance and improvement in operating efficiency.


Note to Editors

The Ascot Fine Chemicals and Ascot Speciality Chemicals divisions represent
the group's core businesses and, together, are  responsible for approximately
60% of Group turnover and 65% of Group profits.  The divisions were formed
following the successful acquisition and integration of the Haltermann Group 
and ChiroTech (the world leading chiral technology company).   

Ascot Speciality Chemicals is the world's largest independent custom processor
and also manufactures speciality products.  Ascot Fine Chemicals comprises
ChiroTech and the large scale manufacturing facilities of Mitchell Cotts
Chemicals.  

The group also has a number of  engineering and property operations.   As
announced on 31 January 2000, Ascot plans to dispose of its four small
engineering businesses and other non-core assets.  The divestments will help
fund further strategic acquisitions and organic growth in both businesses.  

Ascot is headquartered in London and employs over 2,000 people world-wide. 
The Group has a substantial presence in the UK, Germany, Belgium, Scandinavia
and North America and a broad international customer base for all of its
businesses.