Pre close statement

Mentmore PLC
29 October 2003


Immediate Release                                                29 October 2003

                                  Mentmore plc
                              Pre close statement


The board of Mentmore plc wishes to update shareholders on trading at the start
of its close period prior to the release of its interim results for the six
months ending 31st October 2003.

The group continues to trade in line with the board's expectations.

Both the UK and the French personal storage businesses are currently trading in
line with our expectations. Good progress has been made strengthening the
management and addressing the underperforming centres, particularly those in the
South East.

The results to 31st October for Iron Mountain Europe, our records management
joint venture, will include four months' contribution from the Information
Management Services business acquired from Hays plc in July 2003. The
integration of the acquisition continues to make good progress.

Discussions are continuing with our partner, Iron Mountain Incorporated, about
the future structure of the joint venture. We will make a further announcement
about the progress of these discussions when appropriate.

The results will include three months' contribution from the Serviced Business
Space division which was sold in July 2003; these results are broadly in line
with expectations.

The board remains confident of the outlook and prospects for the group.

Martin Nye, the group's chief executive commented:

'We are encouraged by trading in the year to date in our personal storage
division, although in recent years the second half has been seasonally weaker. T
here are still areas of underperformance we have to tackle before we can take
advantage of the opportunities to develop new sites. In records management, we
continue to be encouraged by our customers' positive response to the
acquisition, the progress of integration, and the underlying trading in the
combined business.'


Mentmore plc                                      [phone]
Martin Nye, chief executive
Clive Drysdale, finance director

Buchanan Communications                           [phone]
Charles Ryland
Catherine Miles


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