RNS Number:5790J
GPG (UK) Holdings PLC
02 April 2003

For immediate release



2 April 2003



     RECOMMENDED CASH OFFER BY STRAND PARTNERS LIMITED ON BEHALF OF AVENUE
                         ACQUISITION PLC FOR COATS PLC





The Board of Avenue Acquisition announces that the formal documents relating to:



*        the recommended cash offer for the ordinary shares of Coats; and

*        the cash offer for Coats' senior convertible bonds due 2003,



to be made by Strand Partners on behalf of Avenue Acquisition, will be posted on
7 April, 2003.



On posting of the formal documentation the offers will become unconditional in
all respects. The Coats Special Dividend of 2.5 pence per ordinary share will be
payable to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 7 April,
2003 and paid within 14 days of the first closing date of the Offers.



END


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