Pre-Close Period Statement

Wilmington Group Plc
09 December 2003

                                                       Tuesday 9th December 2003

                              WILMINGTON GROUP PLC

                           PRE-CLOSE PERIOD STATEMENT

Wilmington Group plc today announces its pre-close period statement in respect
of the half year ending 31st December 2003.

Trading performance for the six months ending 31st December 2003 is expected to
be ahead of the corresponding period ended 31st December 2002.

Business Information

The Business Information division is trading in line with our expectations. The
integration of the RED and Muze UK businesses following their merger is on
target. As expected the benefits of the merger will start to show in the second
half of the year ending 30th June 2004. This division is seasonally weighted
towards the second half of our financial year.

Media

In the Media Division trading conditions remain difficult, but the benefits of
the management reorganisation undertaken in the last financial year are coming
through. The division is generally performing in line with our expectations. We
are continuing to invest in the design magazine business to enhance our long
term position in this market. This division is also seasonally weighted towards
the second half of our financial year and is expected to deliver a modest
overall profit for the year ending 30th June 2004.

Professional Training

The Professional Training division remains robust with good revenue and profit
growth during the six months ending 31st December 2003, particularly in the core
business of continuing legal education.

Outlook

The trading environment continues to be challenging. Nevertheless, based on the
range and strength of the Group's businesses, the outlook is encouraging for the
full year.

For further information please call:-

Charles Brady (Chief Executive)                  0121 355 0900
Basil Brookes (Finance Director)                 0207 422 6802
Bobby Morse (Buchanan Communications)            0207 466 5000



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