RNS Number:8757L
Ashley (Laura) Hldgs PLC
03 June 2003


3 June 2003




                           LAURA ASHLEY HOLDINGS plc

                                ("the Company")


The Company received notification on 2 June 2003 from Insight Investment
Management Limited dated 20 May 2003 that HBOS plc and its subsidiaries have a
material interest in 25,750,000 ordinary shares representing 3.45% of the issued
share capital of the Company.  The shares are registered in the name of HSBC
Global Custody Nominees (UK) Ltd in 4 separate accounts designated as Fund SJP
RF32   (8,440,000 ordinary shares)  Fund SJP RF 42   (5,320,000 ordinary
shares), Fund SPJI RF 59  (1,510,000 ordinary shares)  Fund SJP1 RF62
(10,480,000 ordinary shares).




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