Regulatory Approval

Date:          17 May 2004

Lawrence plc
EMEA Announces Positive Opinion on
Aivlosin for Initial Marketing Authorisation

Lawrence  plc,  a  leader in the development, manufacture  and  distribution  of
principally  specialist  chemical and pharmaceutical  products  for  the  animal
health and farming markets worldwide, was advised late on Friday 14 May 2004  by
the  European  Agency  for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products  (EMEA)  of  its
recommendation  to  grant  an  initial  marketing  authorisation  for  Aivlosin.
Aivlosin  is  a  medication  from ECO Animal Health  Limited,  a  subsidiary  of
Lawrence plc.  The full text of the EMEA statement is set out below:

                  "COMMITTEE FOR VETERINARY MEDICINAL PRODUCTS

The  Committee  adopted a positive opinion by majority on an  initial  marketing
authorisation  application  for Aivlosin, containing acetylisovaleryltylosin  as
active  ingredient, from ECO Animal Health intended for treatment and prevention
of  Swine  Enzootic  Pneumonia  caused  by  susceptible  strains  of  Mycoplasma
hyopneumonia in pigs. The application procedure was initiated on 13 August  2003
and  the  opinion was adopted on 12 May 2004 with an active review time  of  210
days."

                                                 -------------------------------

A  further  statement  from the EMEA giving additional information  is  expected
shortly.

Commenting on the announcement by the EMEA, Peter Lawrence, Chairman of Lawrence
plc, said:
"We  are  delighted  with  this news and will comment further  as  soon  as  the
additional information is made available by the EMEA"

Contacts:

Peter Lawrence
Chairman, Lawrence plc
020 8336 2900

Anthony Spiro
Spiro Financial
020 8949 0428

Emma Kane
RedLeaf Communications Ltd
020 7955 1410

Philip Davies
Charles Stanley & Co. Limited
020 7953 2000

Notes to Editors:

õ    Lawrence  plc  is a leader in the development, manufacture and distribution
      of principally specialist chemical and pharmaceutical products for the animal
      health and farming markets worldwide. Our products for these growth markets
      incorporate natural ingredients to promote well being and sustainability. We
      achieve our financial goals through the careful and responsible application of
      science to generate value for our shareholders.

õ    Our  corporate  web  site www.lawrenceplc.com includes our  press  releases
      together with general information about the company and its subsidiaries. Each
      subsidiary also has a web site, which gives further information about that
      business and its products.