Re Directorate

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC
24 January 2002




Issued by Citigate Dewe Rogerson Ltd, Birmingham

Date: Thursday 24th January 2002     IMMEDIATE RELEASE



                           Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC



It is with deep regret that the Board of Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC announce
that Mr Peter Redfern, Non-Executive Chairman, died suddenly yesterday (23
January 2002).


Peter, aged 68 was appointed Chairman of Dechra Pharmaceuticals in October 1997
at the time of the Management Buy-Out and made played a significant role in the
Company's development leading it to a successful Stock Market flotation in
September 2000. Prior to joining Dechra Pharmaceuticals, Peter had a very
successful business career - He was a Director of Quinton Hazell plc and in 1986
he led the MBO of Partco Group, where he was Chief Executive subsequently taking
it public in 1994. He retired from Partco in 1997.


Ian Page, Chief Executive, Dechra Pharmaceuticals said:


'I speak on behalf of the Board and staff in saying that Peter's enthusiasm and
drive was an inspiration to us all - there is nobody who has worked with Peter
who has not learned from him - he was a friend to us and made an immense
contribution to Dechra's progress - he will be sadly missed by business
associates, family and friends'

Mr Redfern lived in Staveley Bridge, Kendal and leaves a wife Vera and family.

In the interim, Malcolm Diamond, Senior Non-Executive Director has been
appointed acting Chairman.



Enquiries:
Ian Page, Chief Executive                               Fiona Tooley
Simon Evans, Group Finance Director                     Katie Hall
Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC                              Citigate Dewe Rogerson
Telephone: [phone]                                 Telephone: [phone]




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