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                           United Business Media plc                           

                            Repurchase of B Shares                             

In accordance with the circular to B shareholders dated 8 September 2003, a
Repurchase Offer for B shares, enabling shareholders to sell their B Shares at
245 pence, free of all dealing expenses and commissions, has today been made by
Merrill Lynch. As at 3.00pm on 7 October 2003 valid acceptances of the
Repurchase Offer had been received in respect of 1,274,157 B Shares,
representing approximately 16.88 per cent of the B Shares in issue as at that
date. These B Shares have subsequently been purchased by the Company in an
on-Exchange transaction for cancellation at 245 pence each.

Cheques and sale advices are expected to be despatched and assured payments
made through CREST by 13 October 2003 in respect of B Shares purchased under
the Repurchase Offer.

Following this purchase 6,272,230 B shares remain in issue.

Notes:

All definitions used in the Circular to shareholders dated 8 September 2003
apply to this announcement

Enquiries:

Anne Siddell

United Business Media

020 7921 5000

Edward Knight

Merrill Lynch International

020 7628 1000



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