Directorate, etc.

UNITED OVERSEAS GROUP PLC
19 July 1999


                           UNITED OVERSEAS GROUP PLC
                   NEW BOARD AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT POSITION
Managing Director for principal UK operating company joins from Woolworths Plc
                               & Trading Update

United   Overseas  Group  plc  ('UOG'  or  the  'Company'),  Europe's  largest
distributor  of surplus branded consumer inventory world-wide, announces  that
Philip Green has joined the Board from Woolworths Plc.  Mr Green will take  up
the  position  of  Managing Director of United Overseas Limited,  the  Group's
principal  operating  company  in  the UK, based  in  Peterborough,  reporting
directly to Jeffrey Curtiss, Chief Executive of UOG.

Mr.  Green,  aged 45, has had an extensive career in a major retailing  group,
having  worked  at Woolworths Plc since 1975 in a number of senior  positions,
most  recently as Trading Controller - toys and stationery.  He was previously
head  of  buying  - toys and books, and his merchandise management  experience
also  includes  the  confectionery, entertainment,  groceries  and  wines  and
spirits sectors.

The  appointment  further strengthens the UOG management team.   Since  Autumn
1998  the  Group  has appointed a head of group logistics, a  group  financial
controller, a company secretary and legal adviser and a head of Operations and
IT.

The  Group's results for the six months ended 30 June 1999 are expected to  be
published  towards  the  end  of August 1999.   The  Group  has  continued  to
experience  difficult trading conditions in the first half of 1999, especially
in  the  United Kingdom.  Management is accelerating its programme  to  reduce
overall stock holdings and is continuing its drive to improve efficiencies and
operating  ratios  so  that the Group's businesses are  better  positioned  to
benefit from any improvement in market conditions.

Commenting on the appointment, Jeffrey Curtiss, UOG Chief Executive said:  'We
are  delighted that Philip is joining us.  His extensive background of trading
and  merchandising  within  a  major  high  street  retailer,  and  specialist
knowledge  of  the toy sector will be of great benefit to the United  Overseas
Group.'

'Philip has extensive experience of negotiating and buying, developing ranges,
integrating pricing and promotional strategies, evaluation and development  of
supplier bases.'

'Whilst  his  primary responsibilities will involve the overall management  of
our  operations in the UK, his appointment further strengthens the  management
team across the whole Group, and we expect to leverage his skills and know-how
to play an active role in the development of our business internationally'.

Enquiries:
United Overseas Group plc
Jeffrey Curtiss, Chief Executive
Terry Balkham, Finance Director                            01733 362 300

Editors' Note
For  the year ended 31 December 1998, toys accounted for 50 per cent. of UOG's
total  turnover  of in excess of £100m, the remainder of sales  being  derived
from  toiletries and cosmetics (27 per cent.), household goods (12 per cent.),
and sports and leisure wear (11 per cent.).