RNS Number:2236N
Austin Reed Group PLC
7 July 2003


                    AUSTIN REED GROUP PLC ("the Company")

                           CHANGE IN SHAREHOLDING

On 4 July 2003, the Company was advised by Cantor Fitzgerald Europe under
Section 198 of the Companies Act 1985 ("the Act") that as at 3 July 2003 they
had an interest in and were the registered holder of 3,256,000 ordinary shares
of 25 pence each in Austin Reed Group PLC.

The Shares represent an interest of 10.4% of the issued share capital of the
Company (which is an increase of 0.6% from the 9.8% interest announced on 1 July
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/Deborah Walter                              Tel:  020 7554 1400

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


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

END
HOLUUUCWMUPWUBM