European Commission enquiry

IMI PLC
23 March 2001


                         European Commission enquiry



IMI plc stated today that it has been visited by inspectors from the European
Commission which is conducting enquiries into the European copper plumbing
tubes and fittings market. The visits took place on Thursday 22 March and
Friday 23 March. The European Commission issued a statement today that it has
sent inspectors to a number of other European copper tube and fittings
manufacturers. IMI is co-operating fully with the Commission.


                                   - ends -

Issued by:
Weber Shandwick Worldwide                    Tel: [phone]
Ben Padovan                                  Mobile: [phone]