H R OWEN PLC                                  

                          Listing Rules Chapter 9.11                           

                Notification of interests of major shareholders                

We were notified on 16 December 2003 that Fleming Mercantile Investment Trust
Plc had acquired 200,000 ordinary shares (0.85%) in the capital of HR Owen Plc
on 15 December 2003. This brings the number of shares held by Fleming
Mercantile Investment Trust Plc to a total of 737,348 (3.14%) representing a
material interest.

17 December 2003

Enquiries:

Nicholas R Lancaster

Chief Executive

Tel: 020 7245 1122

                                   - Ends -                                    



END