Holding(s) in Company

Oxford Instruments PLC
22 March 2002

The Company has been notified today that the Co-operative Insurance Society
Limited holds as beneficial owner, or has interest in, 1,643,996 ordinary shares
of Oxford Instruments plc as at the close of business on 20th March 2002, this
being equal to 3.44% of the relevant issued share capital. The increase in the
Co-operative Insurance Society Limited's percentage holding was as a result of
the following transaction:

Date               Transaction Type                                      Number of Ordinary Shares Acquired

19/3/02            Acquisition of shares by                              301,496

                   Aberforth Limited Partnership 1A



Co-operative Insurance Society Limited holds nil shares as beneficial owner. It
is also a limited partner in Aberforth Limited Partnership 1A and is interested
in 1,643,996 shares as a result of this participation



                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange