Kings Super Markets, Inc.

Marks & Spencer Group PLC
14 August 2003



Issued: Thursday, 14 August 2003


                    MARKS & SPENCER ANNOUNCES IT HAS CEASED

                 DISCUSSIONS TO SELL KINGS SUPER MARKETS, INC.

Marks and Spencer Group p.l.c. today announces that it is no longer in
discussions to sell Kings Super Markets, its North American supermarket
business.

Roger Holmes, Chief Executive of Marks & Spencer commented:

'In the current US climate it has not been possible for interested parties to
raise sufficient funds to purchase Kings at what we perceive to be a fair price.

Although Kings is not central to our strategy, we believe that maximising
shareholder value will be achieved by working with the senior management team to
develop the business and drive financial performance.'


For further information, please contact:

Corporate PR          Lisa Attenborough / Bella Pagdin  020 7268 6166/1967

Investor Relations    Sarah McGlyne   020 7268 1563




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