Statement re Possible Offer

RNS Number:0053I
Woolworths Group PLC
31 January 2005


                              WOOLWORTHS GROUP PLC

                          Statement re Possible Offer


The Board of Woolworths Group plc ("Woolworths") notes the announcement made
this morning by Apax Partners Worldwide LLP ("Apax") that it is considering a
possible offer for Woolworths, and that preparations are at a very early stage.


Gerald Corbett, Chairman of Woolworths, said " Over the past three years this
management team, led by Trevor Bish-Jones has doubled the profits, improved the
operational performance of the business, developed a new retailing strategy and
rolled out new store formats.  We have nearly #3 billion of sales, improved
retail margins and strong cash flow.  The business is much stronger than at the
time of the demerger.


Over Christmas we delivered flat retail like for like sales and an improvement
in margin.  Since then, January trading has been positive.


Whilst our Board will give proper consideration to any proposal that is made, we
will continue to focus on the task of delivering the value inherent in
Woolworths for the benefit of our shareholders".


The Board will keep shareholders informed and will make a further announcement
as appropriate.

Enquiries:

Andrew Grant, Tulchan Group
020 7353 4200


Kate Inverarity, Tulchan Group
020 7353 4200

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

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