4 March 2003

                            BOC Group Board changes                            

               G�ran Lundberg resigns as non-executive director                

             Chris O'Donnell appointed senior independent director             

G�ran Lundberg has today resigned as a non-executive director of The BOC Group.
Mr Lundberg is chairman of three companies in Sweden and is also involved with
three venture capital companies. He said, "Because of my responsibilities
elsewhere in Europe I do not believe I will have the capacity to fulfil
satisfactorily my responsibilities to BOC over the coming year".

Rob Margetts, chairman of The BOC Group said, "I would like to thank G�ran for
his contribution to BOC. The experience and wisdom he has brought to our
discussions have been much valued. Chris O'Donnell is appointed his successor
as senior independent director. I am delighted that we will have someone of
Chris' experience and capability in this important role".

Note to editors: Chris O'Donnell

Chris O'Donnell was appointed a non-executive director of The BOC Group in
March 2001. He is chief executive of Smith & Nephew having previously held
senior appointments with Davy Ashmore, Vickers Limited and C R Bard Inc. He has
an honours degree in mechanical engineering from Imperial College, London and
an MBA from the London Business School. He is a chartered engineer and a member
of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

Contact:        Christopher Marsay, Group Manager - Investor Relations         
                                                                               
                Tel: 01276 477222 (International +44 1276 477222)              



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