Trading Statement

Cookson Group PLC
6 November 2000


THIRD QUARTER TRADING UPDATE

The strong momentum seen in the first half of the year was maintained in the
third quarter.  As a result, profits for the Group in the third quarter
increased at virtually the same rate as in the first half of the year.  

The robust performance of the Group was primarily due to the Electronics
division which enjoyed favourable market conditions similar to those of the
first half of 2000.  All sectors of the division performed well and the growth
achieved by Polyclad and Speedline were particularly noteworthy.  The
acquisition of Achem, a manufacturer of multi-layer laminates with plants in
Taiwan and China, which was completed in August, significantly strengthens the
division's presence in the important Asia-Pacific region. 

For the Ceramics division, results for all sectors of the business, other than
the UK and the Glass activities, were well up on the same quarter last year. 
Global steel production rose by 6.5% in the third quarter compared with 10% in
the first half, with the USA market showing signs of slowing.  The integration
of Premier Refractories remains on track and the important phase of
rationalizing manufacturing facilities is now in progress.  

The Precious Metals division achieved rates of growth consistent with the
first half.  As expected, the US Mill Products business continued to perform
below last year whereas the Precision Products sector returned excellent
results.  During the quarter, the acquisition of the European jewellery
products business of Engelhard-CLAL and that of Excel, a leading US chain
manufacturer, were completed.         

Overall, trading performance is expected to be satisfactory in the fourth
quarter of 2000.  It is therefore anticipated that the Group's results for the
year will be in line with market expectations.

For further information, please contact:

Stephen Howard                              Dennis Millard
Group Chief Executive                       Group Finance Director
Tel:   [phone]                        Tel:   [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]        e-mail:[e-mail]

Following the issue of this statement, a conference call will be held at
10:30 GMT today which shareholders and other interested parties can listen
into on [phone], PIN C9632, call chairman: SL Howard.  The call
will also be available via the Cookson Group website (www.cooksongroup.co.uk),
please log on early to ensure you have the correct software installed.  

A recording of the call will also be available on the website and also on the
replay service until close of business on Friday 17 November (access number
for replay 01296 618700, PIN 200531).  It will also be archived on the Group's
website, www.cooksongroup.co.uk.