Result of EGM

RECKITT & COLMAN PLC
27 August 1999


                  Reckitt & Colman plc
                            
        Results of Extraordinary General Meeting

Both resolutions for proposed merger with Benckiser N.V.
                       approved by
              Reckitt & Colman shareholders


At the Extraordinary General Meeting of Reckitt & Colman
held today, both the ordinary resolutions set out in the
circular to shareholders dated 11 August 1999 were passed
thereby giving consent to the merger between Reckitt &
Colman and Benckiser.

The first closing date for the offer for Benckiser B
shares will be on 8 September 1999.  As set out in full
in the documentation sent to shareholders on 11 August
1999 the offer is conditional upon, amongst other things,
the relevant merger regulation consents from the European
Commission and the relevant authorities in the United
States.

Alan Dalby, Chairman of Reckitt & Colman commented:

'We are very pleased to receive shareholder approval for
the merger of Reckitt & Colman and Benckiser.  We see a
major opportunity for the creation of value and long term
growth, for a group with global scale.  This is an
excellent combination of two complementary businesses.'

Enquiries:

Reckitt & Colman
David Saltmarsh               01753 746676

Shandwick
Bobby Leach              0171 329 0096