RNS Number:4674U
Rugby Estates PLC
21 January 2004







21 January 2004



                      Rugby Estates Plc ("Rugby"/"Group")

               SALE OF INTEREST IN COVENT GARDEN ESTATES LIMITED


Rugby Estates Plc has agreed to sell its 50% shareholding in Covent Garden
Estates Limited ("CGE") to Universal Consolidated Group Limited ("UCG"), its
joint venture partner.  In addition to the cash consideration for its
shareholding of #1.2 million, Rugby will receive repayment of its loan to CGE
amounting to #1.4 million at completion. Following this sale, the Group's
interest in the Covent Garden area is retained through its 9.8% investment in
the ING Covent Garden Limited Partnership.


In Rugby's interim results as at 31 July 2003 the interest in and loan to CGE
were included in the consolidated balance sheet at cost at a total of #1.3
million and in triple net assets at market value at a total of #2.5 million.


CGE was established in 1995 as a joint venture with UCG to develop properties in
the Covent Garden area.  Following the disposal of the Seven Dials warehouse in
1998 and other smaller transactions, CGE now holds two mixed use commercial
properties in Neal Street which were valued at 31 July 2003 at #6.0 million.
CGE's pre-tax profit for the year ended 31 October 2003 was #0.3 million.


The cash to be received at completion, which is due to take place on 27 January
2004, will increase Rugby's cash reserves pending reinvestment in future
opportunities.




                                     -ENDS-



For further information:-


Andrew Wilson, Chief Executive         Rugby Estates              020 7632 2200
Steve Jones, Finance Director          Rugby Estates              020 7632 2200
Stephanie Highett/Dido Laurimore       Financial Dynamics         020 7831 3113




                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END

MSCFGGZMGMGGDZM