Disposal

5 April 2005

                           Disposal of Johler Druck                            

St Ives plc announces that it has disposed of the whole of its interest in its
German subsidiary, Johler Druck GmbH ('Johler'), to Arques Industries AG, a
German investment company, for a cash consideration of approximately €2.2
million (approximately £1.5 million). Johler's business is principally the
supply of commercial print to the German market, which no longer forms a part
of St Ives' future strategy. The net asset value of Johler at 30 July 2004 was
£9.4 million and in the financial year ended on that date it made an operating
loss (before interest) of £935,000. In addition to the loss arising on disposal
at below net asset value, an amount of £5.9 million will be charged as an
exceptional item in respect of goodwill previously written off to reserves and
now required to be written back and written off to the profit and loss account.

Miles Emley
Chairman

Press enquiries:

St Ives plc 020 7928 8844
Miles Emley (Chairman)
Brian Edwards (Managing Director)
Ray Morley (Finance Director)

Smithfield
John Antcliffe 020 7360 4900