RNS Number:2608M
John Lovering & Bob Mackenzie
12 June 2003

                 Somerfield plc ("Somerfield" or "the Company")

                Statement by Springwater Bidder ("Springwater")


Springwater, the consortium formed by John Lovering and Bob Mackenzie to
consider a possible offer for Somerfield, is withdrawing its interest in a
possible offer.

Springwater had proposed to the Board of Somerfield a cash offer for the Company
at a price of 120p per share, representing a premium of over 70% to the closing
share price of Somerfield on 10 April 2003 (the day before Springwater's initial
approach was made).

Springwater had proposed a short timetable to complete limited and routine due
diligence, and to obtain regulatory clearances for all aspects of its
transaction, prior to launch of the offer.  The financing for the offer was to
be provided by Morgan Stanley.

The Board of Somerfield was not prepared to provide due diligence information to
Springwater.  Springwater does not wish to pursue an offer without the
cooperation of the Board and, accordingly, is withdrawing its interest.

In accordance with Rule 2.8 of the Takeover Code, Springwater will not make or
participate in an offer for Somerfield during the next 6 months except that it
reserves the right to do so within that period in the event that: (i) such an
offer is recommended by the Board of Somerfield; or (ii) there is an
announcement by a third party of a firm intention to make an offer for the
Company.





12 June 2003





Bridgewell and Morgan Stanley are acting for Springwater Bidder and no one else,
in connection with the possible offer, and will not be responsible to any other
person for providing the protections afforded to their respective clients or for
providing advice in relation to the possible offer.


                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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