Divisional Appointments

Ascot PLC 17 July 2000 Contact Howard Dyer, Executive Chairman Ascot Plc 020 7815 0805 David Bick / Mike Crofts Holborn Public Relations 020 7929 5599 david.bick@holbornpr.co.uk mike.crofts@holbornpr.co.uk ASCOT PLC Appointment of Divisional Managing Directors Ascot Plc is further strengthening its senior executive team with the appointments of Michael Evans as Managing Director of its Fine Chemicals division and Stephen Woodbridge as Managing Director of its Speciality Chemicals division. Michael Evans trained as a biochemist at Oxford University where he received the Gibbs Prize in Biochemistry for the top First Class Honours degree in 1980. He received his doctorate in 1984 and began his professional career as a senior development scientist at Beecham Pharmaceuticals, moving to Amersham Life Science (now part of Nycomed Amersham) in 1987. In a 13-year career at Nycomed Amersham Dr Evans progressed through various senior research, business development and marketing roles culminating in his appointment as Vice President of Drug Discovery, Amersham Pharmacia Biotech, and a member of Amersham Pharmacia Biotech's Executive Committee. In that role he was responsible for the company's life science research products and drug discovery business which totalled £370 million of reported 1999 sales. He also oversaw the integration into Amersham Pharmacia Biotech of the $250 million Californian company, Molecular Dynamics Inc. The appointment of Michael Evans is a significant step in the development of Ascot's Fine Chemicals Division. In particular, his experience in the life sciences field, including the commercialisation of cutting edge technology, will be of great value to Mitchell Cotts Chemicals and in building the product pipeline of ChiroTech, Ascot's world leading chiral technology business. Stephen Woodbridge has been Head of Special Operations at Ascot since November 1997 and has managed its Speciality Chemicals division since December 1998, overseeing the successful integration of the Haltermann Group. Under his management, Ascot Speciality Chemicals has shown exceptional business performance and improvement in operating efficiency. Note to Editors The Ascot Fine Chemicals and Ascot Speciality Chemicals divisions represent the group's core businesses and, together, are responsible for approximately 60% of Group turnover and 65% of Group profits. The divisions were formed following the successful acquisition and integration of the Haltermann Group and ChiroTech (the world leading chiral technology company). Ascot Speciality Chemicals is the world's largest independent custom processor and also manufactures speciality products. Ascot Fine Chemicals comprises ChiroTech and the large scale manufacturing facilities of Mitchell Cotts Chemicals. The group also has a number of engineering and property operations. As announced on 31 January 2000, Ascot plans to dispose of its four small engineering businesses and other non-core assets. The divestments will help fund further strategic acquisitions and organic growth in both businesses. Ascot is headquartered in London and employs over 2,000 people world-wide. The Group has a substantial presence in the UK, Germany, Belgium, Scandinavia and North America and a broad international customer base for all of its businesses.