Notice of Interest

Macfarlane Group PLC 10 November 2000 TO: COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENTS Substantial shareholdings Macfarlane Group PLC We have been notified in accordance with the Companies Act that the following shareholder holds the number of shares set out below:- Number of shares % Date notified Funds managed or advised by Prudential PLC 4,000,000 3.15% 9 November 2000 In addition the following disclosure has been made, under Rule 8 of The City Code on Takeovers and Mergers:- Number of shares % Date disclosure made Funds managed or advised by Credit Suisse Asset Management Limited 5,120,000 4.04% 9 November 2000 FROM: John Love Company Secretary Macfarland Group PLC