RNS Number:9979M
Austin Reed Group PLC
1 July 2003

                             AUSTIN REED GROUP PLC ("the Company")

                                     CHANGE IN SHAREHOLDING

On 30 June 2003, the Company was advised by Cantor Fitzgerald Europe under
Section 198 of the Companies Act 1985 ("the Act") that as at 27 June 2003 they
had an interest in and were the registered holder of 3,081,000 ordinary shares
of 25 pence each in Austin Reed Group PLC.

The Shares represent an interest of 9.8% of the issued share capital of the
Company (which is an increase of 1.8% from the 8.0% interest announced on 24
June 2003).

Cantor Fitzgerald Europe is a party to an agreement relating to 2,500,000
ordinary shares of 25p each in the Company with Mr Shami Ahmed who has an
interest in the voting rights to the shares, under a contract for differences,
by virtue of Section 208(4)(b) and Section 208(5)(b) of the Companies Act.
 
Enquiries:

Gavin Anderson & Company
Richard Constant                             Tel. 020 7554 1400 

Austin Reed Croup PLC
Simon Waite, Company Secretary               Tel.01845 573071





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