Statement re Possible Offer

Berkeley Berry Birch PLC
20 January 2004

Press Announcement                                               20 January 2004

                             DISCUSSIONS RE MERGER

The boards of Berkeley Berry Birch plc ('BBB') and Inter-Alliance Group plc
('IAL') announce that they are in discussions which may or may not lead to a
merger of the two companies. If these discussions are successful, the enlarged
group would trade under the BBB brands. It is to be noted that there can be no
certainty that a merger of the two companies will ultimately take place. A
further announcement will be made in due course.

Ends

For further information please contact:

Berkeley Berry Birch plc
Cliff Lockyer                                                       07774 185779
Stephen Ingledew                                                    07774 185779

InterAlliance Group plc
Keith Carby                                                         07768 648464

Grandfield
Charles Cook                                                       020 7417 4170
Matthew Jervois




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