German regulatory approval

Johnson,Matthey PLC
15 October 2002



                                 For immediate release Tuesday 15th October 2002



Johnson Matthey Receives German Regulatory Approval of Synetix Acquisition



Johnson Matthey has today received competition clearance from the
Bundeskartellamt of the Federal Republic of Germany for its acquisition of the
Synetix division of ICI.



This means that the main part of the acquisition will be completed on 1st
November 2002 although the purchase of those Synetix businesses which are owned
by ICI India Limited remains subject to the approval of ICI India Limited's
shareholders.



Enquiries:



Ian Godwin,         Group Corporate Communications Manager        020 7269 8410
Howard Lee / Laura Hickman, Gavin Anderson & Co                   020 7554 1400














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