RNS Number:6207M
Hamleys PLC
20 June 2003


Hamleys PLC ("Hamleys" or the "Company").


Statement re: ING Bank N.V., London Branch Announcement

The committee of independent directors of Hamleys (the "Independent Directors")
notes the recent press announcement made by ING Bank N.V., London Branch on
behalf of Children's Stores Holdings Limited.

The Independent Directors confirm that prior to today's announcement they have
had no contact with Children's Stores Holdings Limited since the announcement of
the recommended cash offer made by Soldier Limited on Tuesday 17 June 2003 to
acquire the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of Hamleys
(the "Offer").

The Independent Directors further confirm that they have not received any
proposal since 17 March 2003 (the start of the offer period) at a price higher
than the Offer announced on 17 June 2003. In the absence of any alternative
proposal, the Independent Directors will continue to recommend the Offer, but
would consider any proposals received in the light of their fiduciary duties to
act in the best interest of shareholders.

If necessary, a further announcement will be made in due course.


Enquiries:

Hamleys PLC
Simon Burke                                           Tel: 0207 479 7316
Executive Chairman

Close Brothers Corporate Finance Limited
Richard Grainger                                      Tel: 0207 655 3100
Christopher Lewey

Brunswick Group Ltd
Rebecca Blackwood                                     Tel: 020 7404 5959
Melissa McVeigh


The Independent Directors of Hamleys accept responsibility for the information
contained in this announcement. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the
directors of Hamleys (who have taken all reasonable care to ensure that such is
the case), the information contained in this announcement is in accordance with
the facts and does not omit anything likely to affect the import of such
information.


Close Brothers Corporate Finance Limited which is regulated by The Securities
and Futures Authority Limited in the United Kingdom, is acting for Hamleys and
no one else in connection with this matter and will not be responsible to anyone
other than Hamleys for providing the protections afforded to customers of Close
Brothers Corporate Finance Limited nor for providing advice in relation to this
matter.






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

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