ALY.L Regulatory News (ALY)

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN, INTO OR FROM ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OF SUCH JURISDICTION.

THIS IS AN ANNOUNCEMENT TO WHICH RULE 2.8 OF THE CITY CODE ON TAKEOVERS AND MERGERS (THE "CODE") APPLIES.

22 March 2019

Statement regarding Laura Ashley Holdings plc (the "Company")

On 25 February 2019 the Flacks Group confirmed that it was in the very preliminary stages of evaluating a possible cash offer for the entire issued and to be issued share capital of the Company.

The Flacks Group confirms that it does not intend to make an offer for the Company and is consequently, except with the consent of the Panel on Takeovers and Mergers (the "Panel"), bound by the restrictions set out in Rule 2.8 of the Code.

Under Note 2 on Rule 2.8 of the Code, the Flacks Group (and any person acting in concert with the Flacks Group) reserves the right to set aside the restrictions in Rule 2.8 in the following circumstances: (i) with the agreement of the board of the Company; (ii) if a third party announces a firm intention to make an offer for the Company; (iii) if the Company announces a "whitewash" proposal (see Note 1 of the Notes on Dispensations from Rule 9) or a reverse takeover (as defined in the Code); or (iv) if the Panel determines that there has been a material change of circumstances.

Enquiries

Michael Flacks +1 305 647 26 55

Additional information

This announcement is not intended to, and does not, constitute, represent or form part of any offer, invitation or solicitation of an offer to purchase, otherwise acquire, subscribe for, sell or otherwise dispose of, any securities whether pursuant to this announcement or otherwise.

The distribution of this announcement in jurisdictions outside the United Kingdom and the availability of any offer to shareholders who are not resident in the United Kingdom may be restricted by law or regulation and therefore any person who comes into possession of this announcement should inform themselves about, and comply with, such restrictions. Any failure to comply with such restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws or regulations of any such relevant jurisdiction.