Disposal

McBride PLC
1 June 2001


Friday, 1 June 2001


                                 MCBRIDE PLC



                   Disposal of Wrafton Laboratories Limited

McBride plc ('McBride' or 'the Group'), the leading manufacturer of private
label household and personal care products in Europe, announces today the
exchange of contracts for the disposal of its 92.5% shareholding in Wrafton
Laboratories Limited ('Wrafton') to Perrigo Company ('Perrigo') for a gross
consideration of £28.3 million ('the Disposal') in cash of which £1.0 million
will be held in escrow for 12 months in respect of warranty and indemnity
claims. Completion will take place on or before 29 June 2001. The Disposal
will generate an immediate cash inflow of approximately £25.6 million before
expenses and an estimated exceptional profit on disposal of £2.5 million.

Wrafton develops, manufactures and distributes an extensive range of wet and
dry over-the-counter ('OTC') medicines and toiletries, including analgesics,
antacids, cough/cold preparations, ointments, gels, throat remedies,
toothpaste and topical medicines. For the 14-month period ended 30 June 2000,
the business made an operating profit of £2.5 million on sales of £29.0
million. Wrafton's net assets at 30 June 2000 were £3.1 million. The company
operates from a purpose built factory in Barnstaple, Devon and employs around
500 people.

The Disposal follows the decision of the Board of McBride ('the Board' or 'the
Directors'), announced on 2 June 2000, to review the Group's strategic options
in order to maximise shareholder value. The Directors believe that the
consideration for Wrafton reflects its long-term strategic value and its
disposal will enable McBride to focus on its core household and personal care
businesses.

The proceeds of the Disposal will be used initially by McBride to reduce its
debt and to meet existing commitments.

Under the Disposal Agreement, McBride has agreed to assume responsibility for
certain third party liabilities of Wrafton, which the Directors estimate to be
£1.7 million. Also the Disposal Agreement incorporates a mechanism for
adjusting the consideration upwards or downwards by reference to the
difference between the estimated and actual net assets of Wrafton at
completion.

On 26 September 2000, McBride announced that it had received preliminary
enquiries from interested parties concerning a possible offer for the Group.
Discussions are continuing and whilst there is no certainty at this stage that
any transaction will result, an announcement will be made as further
developments occur. The Board believe that such discussions will not be
impaired by the Disposal. In the meantime, the Board is continuing to explore
further strategic options available to the Group in order to maximise
shareholder value.


                                     ends

Enquiries

Financial Dynamics                                     020 7269 7140

Andrew Dowler/Fiona Meiklejohn